HL Deb 20 May 1953 vol 182 cc656-7

2.50 p.m.

LORD VANSITTART

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what would be the effect on the recently concluded Anglo-Egyptian Treaty concerning the Sudan of warlike acts by Egypt against the British Government or attacks on its troops and subjects.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE MARQUESS OF READING)

The Anglo-Egyptian Agreement secured for the Sudanese agreement between the co-domini on the principle that the Sudanese should be able freely to determine their future and on the procedure by which this was to come about. With regard to the extent to which events in Egypt may affect this process, I can only say that it is difficult to answer a hypothetical question of this kind. In any case, Her Majesty's Government do not intend to allow any events which may occur in Egypt to prevent the obtaining of self-government and self-determination by the Sudanese.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

Has the noble Marquess taken into account the effect which any conflict in Egypt might have on the Sudanese elections and the ultimate Sudan decision as to its future?

THE MARQUESS OF READING

That and many other factors, I agree, have to be taken into account, but on a situation which has at this moment not developed it would be extremely unwise to give any precise reply.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

Certainly.