HC Deb 01 June 1921 vol 142 cc1081-2W
Mr. SPOOR

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of Lord Allenby's announcement that in the last resort responsibility for law and order in Egypt devolves upon him and his admission that in carrying out that responsibility he will have to interfere in party politics, His Majesty's Government will use its influence to ensure that the interference shall be directed towards the adoption of a democratic method of selecting the Egyptian delegation to this country?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

So far as I am aware, Lord Allenby has made no admission of the nature suggested. With regard to the selection of the Egyptian delegation, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question of the 9th ultimo.

Mr. LUNN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of Lord Allenby's announcement that Great Britain is awaiting Egypt's reply to her offer of conciliation and friendship, His Majesty's Government will remove martial law, and thus give to Egypt full liberty to deliver its reply?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

His Majesty's Government do not onsider it advisable to withdraw martial law in Egypt at the present moment. The reasons for the existence of martial law in that country were contained in my answer to the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland on March 15th.