§ 41. Mr. Fellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government now propose 52W taking to ensure the freedom of movement of ships of all nations through the Suez Canal when it is cleared.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydHer Majesty's Government will continue to work for the principle of free passage of ships of all nations which is contained in the 1888 Convention, and which has been adopted by the United Nations as its declared aim. Confidential discussions on interim arrangements to take effect when the Canal is reopened are in progress.
§ 49. Mr. Eric Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if Mr. Katzin has completed his examination on behalf of the United Nations of the progress of operations for clearing the Suez Canal; what reason he has given for the delay in removing the tug "Edgar Bonnet"; and what other wrecks have yet to be removed.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydYes. Mr. Katzin has now returned to New York, but so far as I am aware no report on his visit to Cairo has been issued by the United Nations. The "Edgar Bonnet" and the "Aboukir" are now the only obstacles to the passage of normal traffic through the Canal. But considerable clearing up work will naturally remain to be done after the main channel has been opened.