HL Deb 28 October 1953 vol 183 cc1417-8

2.41 p.m.

LORD RENNELL

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 whether they have recognised the present régime in Egypt as either the de facto or the de jure Government of Egypt, and, if so, when and how this occurred.]

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

My Lords, on June 18 the Egyptian Prime Minister announced the abrogation of the Monarchy and the setting up of the Republic of Egypt. This information was communicated to my right honourable friend in a letter from the Egyptian Ambassador on June 19. This was acknowledged on June 25 and Her Majesty's Government are thus de facto in relations with the Egyptian Government.

LORD RENNELL

My Lords, arising out of the Answer of the Noble Marquess, may I ask whether, having regard to the fact that no elections have been held in Egypt since the Council of Revolution took over, Her Majesty's Government are satisfied that the change of Government to a Republic in that country enjoys sufficient popular support and constitutional standing to warrant the de facto recognition referred to?

THE MARQUESS OF READING

My Lords, if Her Majesty's Government had not been satisfied that the Government of Egypt were in sufficient control of the country to justify the step taken, de facto recognition would not have been extended.

LORD RENNELL

My Lords, in my question I used the words "enjoys sufficient popular support."

LORD HANKEY

My Lords, arising out of the Answer of the noble Marquess, is not the Egyptian Government at the present time wholly totalitarian, directed by a Council of Revolution without any electoral foundation, unable to risk a general election, ruling by decree law, trying its political opponents and others not by the ordinary courts of justice but by a revolutionary tribunal, on capital charges and often behind closed doors, inflicting severe sentences and boasting a network of spies all over the country to secure the evidence? Is it not a reckless gamble to negotiate important British, Imperial and international interests with such a régime?

THE MARQUESS OF READING

My Lords, that speech in the form of a question hardly seems to arise out of the query put to me by the noble Lord, Lord Rennell, as to the circumstances of de facto or de jure recognition. I have said that we have de facto recognised that Government.