HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1927, Page 3

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

IN THE COMMONS,

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. v [Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received this day at 10.25 a.in.) LONDON, June 1. Sir A. Chamberlain, in the Commons, replying to questions said for sometime the Egyptian army had attracted the attention of a section of local politicians, seeking to increase its strength and also to convert it into a weapon at the disposal of. only one party. This vitally concerned Britain, in view of the interest in the defence, of the Suez Canal and obligations to protect foreigners. Britain could not afford to have the position complicated by tin* presence of a potentially hostile force. The Egyptian War Committee a few —da>s-ago recommended the Deputies to increase the strength and armament of the ARHntry and artillery, and the cancellation of the Sirdar’s budgetary credit. The effect of the latter would he.to bring the British Inspector-Gen-era I - Communder-in-Chief under the Egyptian .Ministry, resulting in the ruling party being able to exercise unchecked power over the Army. The High Commissioner, after consultation with the British Government, sent a note to the Egyptian Govern--inent setting out the British viewpoint on the whole question, which was, it showed, properly subject to the agreed settlement in the host interests of Britain and Egypt. The Note of Ferry! to negotiate till such an agreement was reached, provided the present safeguards ill the meantime were continued. Efforts were meanwhile made to foment political excitement, such as led to the serious excesses at Alexandra in 1921. Three warships were sent to Egypt in the belief that their presence would restrain the disorderly elements, which were the chief danger to the lives and interests of foreigners. Conversations between Lord Lloyd and the Egyptian Government were proceeding, therefore it eyas undesirable that he he pressed to make a further statement. Mr Clynes asked that the papers he tabled and a discussion permitted. Sir A. Chamberlain said he Would have liked to communicate the text of the Note, though it would he more courteous to leave the Egyptian Government time to consider it before its publication. Ifo would table the papers and allow a discussion at the proper time. Sir W. Joynsoti-Flioks. replying to questions, said the documents found at Areos confirmed the information he already had concerning Moscow’s connection with British organisations engaged in subversive propaganda. The Speaker, replying to Sir Davison’s further questions concerning the luncheon to the Russians in the Commons oil May 24th, said he had learnwl that the refreshment committee allotted rooms to members for such functions without condition or inquiry.