§ 17. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now make a further statement about discussions with the United Arab Republic Government about the de-sequestration of British nationals whose property was re-sequestrated in October, 1961.
§ Mr. MathewThere have been no developments since the answer which I gave my hon. Friend on 15th June. Close contact with United Arab Republic officials continues, but Her Majesty's Embassy in Cairo has yet to receive a reply to its request for clarification of the United Arab Republic's intentions.
§ Mr. WallIs my hon. Friend aware that there has been really no development in this matter for nearly three years and that these people's property is now deteriorating both physically and in value? Will he really do something to persuade the United Arab Republic Government to say that they will either return or retain this property? If he cannot get a reply, will he consider referring the matter to the International Court?
§ Mr. MathewAs I have said, we are in continuous contact. We have repeatedly informed the U.A.R. authorities of our concern and have asked them at every opportunity, both in Cairo and in London, for a statement of their intentions. We would consider with attention any proposal for negotiations from the U.A.R. authorities, but so far no such proposal has been received. It would be premature for us at this stage either to initiate negotiations until we have received the clarification for which we have asked, especially of the recent decree which as been promulgated in Cairo, or to take the action which my hon. Friend suggests.