§ 83. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the latest information about British nationals and British subjects interned in Egypt; how many are in prison; and what information has been given by the Egyptian Government as to when these people are to be freed or receive a fair trial.
§ 98. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now give further information about the living conditions and safety of the 680 British subjects now interned in Egypt.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreSwiss representatives have again visited British internees in Egypt and report that conditions have improved. Two hundred are living in one English school and 274 in another; it appears that no other British subjects are now interned. The two schools concerned normally have adequate accommodation for the same number of boarding students as they now hold internees. While there is still a shortage of food, living conditions in other respects are better. Internees are allowed out morning and afternoon for exercise and are permitted a cold bath daily. There are no cases of serious illness and the general state of40W health is good in both camps. Internees can buy clothes and toilet articles and those in one of the schools (but not at present the other) can buy food. Funds are being supplied to them as necessary by the Swiss representatives.
It is understood that the question of repatriation or liberation of the internees has not yet been considered by the Egyptians.
Five British subjects (including the four accused of espionage before military action was started) are in prison on criminal charges. Another 25 are in prison, but have not been interrogated or charged; the Swiss authorities have been asked to press the Egyptians either to give them a prompt and proper trial or release them.
§ 94. Mr. Robson Brownasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will instruct the British representative at the United Nations to propose to that organisation that the Egyptian Govern-men should be instructed without delay to release all interned British civilians and desist from harsh actions against harmless British nationals.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreRepresentations have been made through the Swiss Government for the release of British subjects interned in Egypt. The Egyptian Government have assured the Swiss authorities that there is no general policy of internment, but that individuals have been interned for reasons of state security. Further requests for the release of those interned are being made through the Swiss Government.
As regards harsh treatment of British subjects in Egypt generally, my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of State informed the House on 26th November that the Foreign Secretary has made the strongest representations to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and to the Egyptian Foreign Minister in New York. I am glad to say that since then the Swiss Government have received an assurance from the Egyptian Government that no mass expulsion of British or French subjects has been ordered.
The evidence at our disposal is that the Egyptian police have in fact issued expulsion orders to a large number of individuals. It is not yet clear how many of these orders have been revoked. As 41W soon as this point has been clarified, Her Majesty's Government will consider urgently what further action is required.