BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1928, Page 3

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) , IN THE COMMONS. LONDON, .May 10. The House of Commons discussed Mr Ivellog’s note. Mr MacDonald said everyone must be unhappy and disquietened by the issue of the recent crisis in Egypt. The problem was nearly suspended. It was not solved by an ultimatum and the - movement of warships, which necessarily lowered us in the eyes of Egypt. Let us make it perfectly clear we have no intention of interfering in the national operations’of self-govern-ment in Egypt. Any Government under the impression' that it can go hack to Cromerism would have a severe disillusionment. Our answer to Kellogg’s note was going to influence considerably,'' the Anglo-American relations, which were not ns good as they ought to he. A complete unreserved acceptance would l)e the best method. He hoped Britain would not raise the League of Nations problem. It would he one of the greatest tragedies in history if the League commitments in Europe prevented Britain from participating in Kellogg’s wider and more comprehensive proposals. Commander Kenworthy asked should we he free, provided the Dominions are with us, to negotiate directly or should we he bound to consult France or anyone else.

Sir A'. Chamberlain replied that we were not bound to consult any other Government unless we think it desirable. America’s first purpose is to obtain, the signatures of six governments. If we can contribute anything to secure unity among six, we shall be happy to do so. Asked when he expected to be able to reply to America, Sir Austen Chamebrlain said, if the Dominions concurred in a proposed re-; ply, further time would not be needed! and he would immediately band a reply to the American Ambassador in London.

AN IMPERIAL STANDPOINT. LONDON, May U

Mr Lloyd George said the impression left on his mmd by Mr MacDonald's speech was that it Mr MacDonald had been Foreign Minister lie would bare done the same in Egypt as (Sir A. Chamberlain. Ihe only question to decide is:--T)o wo mean to remain Egypt? Tf so must discharge our obligations, lie had yet to learn any section of the Commons proposed that wo should clear out of Egypt. It was: a corridor country like Panama. It divided the British Empire during the war. Indian, Australian, New Zealand troops came through Egypt. If we lmd rot taken charge, of Egypt, another country would have done so. With regard to America. Air Lloyd George was not sure whether Sir A. Chamberlain was making some reservations, hut with Air AlncDonald he thought this would he a mistake. After Air Kellogg’s speech there was no points in the' reservations. Air Kellogg made it clear that acceptance would not' interfere with the. obligations of Locarno or the League of Nations. AYbcn Sir A. Chamberlain makes a declaration, let him make a British declaration and speak in the name of Britain and the Empire. I think it would have, the greatest effect on the whole world. (General cheers). Sir Locker Lampson said that communications with the Dominions were being made by telegraph. He hoped the result would he known in a. few days. The debate was adjourned.