HL Deb 12 February 1957 vol 201 cc662-3
LORD HATHERTON

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, on November 6, 1956, the British Ambassador in Washington was officially informed that if Great Britain did not immediately end her military action in Egypt, the United States would impose economic sanctions, either in whole or in part, against the United Kingdom.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE EARL OF GOSFORD)

My Lords, I can assure the noble Lord that neither Her Majesty's Ambassador, who was on the high seas on the date in question. nor Her Majesty's Chargé d' Affaires in Washington received any communication to the effect that if Her Majesty's Government did not immediately end the military action in Egypt the United States would impose economic sanctions on the United Kingdom. This story, which has been widely disseminated, is a complete fabrication.

LORD HATHERTON

My Lords, I thank the noble Earl for his reply.