Skip to main content

Egypt

Volume 155: debated on Thursday 22 June 1922

The text on this page has been created from Hansard archive content, it may contain typographical errors.

Martial Law

21.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether martial law in Egypt is still in the hands of the British military authorities; whether the cost of its administration is borne wholly or partly by the British taxpayer; whether the cessation of that responsibility awaits the passing of an Act of Indemnity by an Egyptian Parliament; and whether representations can be made to the Government of Egypt that the sooner that Parliament is elected the better?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. So far as I am aware, no extra cost devolves upon either the British or Egyptian taxpayer from the administration of martial law, which can always be terminated in the manner de- fined in the reply to the question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle East (Major Barnes) on 8th May. The election of an Egyptian Parliament is a matter which solely concerns the Egyptian Government, and in which His Majesty's Government are not prepared to intervene.

Would the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs state just exactly what is the validity of this sentence of death passed upon a man for being found in possession of arms, and whether or not it is likely to add to the cost of the taxpayer in the event of it leading to some kind of armed revolt?

Deportees

22.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any medical reports concerning the health of Zaghloul Pasha and his colleagues have been received from the Seychelles; if so, how many; and what are their exact contents?

Two reports on the health of Zaghloul Pasha and his associates have been received from the Officer Administering the Seysehelles. The first one, dated 12th May, stated that Zaghloul Pasha had for a long time suffered from diabetes, but that, in the opinion of the chief medical officer, there was no reason to believe that the disease was being adversely influenced by his residence in those islands. The same report stated that Barakat Pasha was suffering from pyorrhea alveolaris, for which treatment had been recommended, and added that the remainder were in good health. The second report, dated 5th June, reported that with the exception of the chronic diseases from which Zaghloul Pasha and Barakat Pasha were suffering, the deportees were in good health.

Would the Under-Secretary, in view of the conflicting statements about the matter, receive a deputation, if necessary, confined to Members of Parliament, to present the report given by specialists who treated this gentleman over a period of years—he came to Europe for the purpose of that treatment?

Is it not a well-known fact that mental worry is always the cause or an aggravation of diabetes?

Perhaps the hon. Member will not be over anxious concerning supplementary questions.

Negotiations

23.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the negotiations at present proceeding between the Egyptian Government and the High Commissioner, arrangements have been made whereby the premature release of those Egyptians convicted by the courts for complicity in murder conspiracies will be prevented?

The only negotiations in progress between Lord Allenby and the Egyptian Government are in connection with the facilities to be accorded to foreign officials who wish to retire from Government service.

British Officials (Compensation)

24.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Egyptian Government have offered satisfactory terms to those British officials in Egyptian service who desire to relinquish their appointments owing to the changed regime existing?

The whole question of compensation for officials leaving the Egyptian Government service is at present under discussion between Lord Allenby and the Egyptian Government.

Cairo Disturbances

55.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the dependents of the British subjects recently assassinated in Cairo have yet been offered compensation and, if so, the amounts offered in each case; and whether those offers have been accepted?

The Egyptian Government have been requested to state the amount of compensation they propose to award in each case of murderous assault upon foreign officials, and His Majesty's Government expect to receive an early reply.