HC Deb 24 May 1922 vol 154 c1238W
Mr. SWAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British military authorities in Egypt ordered the Egyptian Press not to publish anything concerning the decision of the Commission appointed to draft Egypt's Constitution that the Sudan is Egyptian territory; if so, why, and by what right, was such an order issued to the Press of an independent country by our military authorities in Egypt; and if he will order an inquiry into the incident and supply this House with the necessary information?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I am unaware of the steps actually taken by the competent military authorities on the action of the Sub-Committee of the Eyptian Constitution Commission regarding the Sudan. As the Leader of the House informed the hon. Member for Kirkdale (Mr. Pennefather) on 15th May, the Egyptian Government share the view of His Majesty's Government with regard to this incident. I see no reason to take any action in the matter.

Mr. SWAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the appointment of a Commission, instead of an elected national assembly, to frame Egypt's Constitution was at the instance of His Majesty's Government during the negotiations between Lord Allenby and Sarwat Pasha prior to the latter assuming the post of Egyptian Prime Minister?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

The reply is in the negative.