§ Lieut.-Commander FLETCHERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information about the intention of the Italian Government to invite the Egyptian Government to sign a treaty of peace and non-aggression?
§ Viscount CRANBORNETowards the end of February reports appeared in certain Egyptian newspapers that secret negotiations were taking place for the conclusion of a non-aggression pact between Egypt and Italy. Ali Maher Pasha, who was then Prime Minister, informed the Press that there was no truth in those reports. As the hon. And gallant Member is doubtless aware from reports in the Press, the Italian Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs on 7th April handed to the Egyptian Chargé d'Affaires at Rome a declaration to the effect that the Italian Government had no intention of attacking or in any way threatening Egypt, and that Italy was always disposed to conclude with Egypt2212W agreements guaranteeing the maintenance of the common frontier and a policy inspired by feelings of profound friendship. My right hon. Friend has no knowledge of any developments since that date.