§ 11. Mr. Wallasked the Lord Privy Seal what reply has been received by Her Majesty's Ambassador in Egypt to the representations he made to the Egyptian Government about the grounds for the further sequestration of British property in Egypt.
§ Mr. P. ThomasWe have received an unofficial translation of the decree under which these sequestration measures have been taken. But Her Majesty's Ambassador still awaits clarification by the United Arab Republic Government of several important questions. The British subjects affected are now known to number thirty-seven.
§ Mr. WallWas not the request for information made more than two weeks ago, and is not the delay in answering a grave discourtesy to this country? Will my hon. Friend consider approaching the Governments of other non-Egyptian nationals affected with a view to joint action, possibly through the United Nations or the International Court?
§ Mr. ThomasWhat my hon. Friend says is perfectly true. Our Ambassador in Egypt handed over his aide-memoire more than two weeks ago. I agree that the situation is unsatisfactory. We have every sympathy with the British subjects affected and are urgently pressing for fuller information so that we can decide what steps may be taken to protect their interests.