PLAIN STATEMENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 22 May 1936, Page 7

PLAIN STATEMENT

EGYPT AND PALESTINE SAFEGUARDING BRITISH INTERESTS MR BALDWIN REPLIES TO QUESTIONS (British Official YVireless) (Received 22nd May, 11.40 a.m.) RUGBY, 21st May. The Prime Minister, Mr Stanley Baldwin, was asked in the House of Commons at question time whether in view of the declaration of the Italian Government annexing' the whole of Abyssinia and the consequent menace to the British position in Africa and the Near East, tlie Government would make it clear in unmistakeable terms that in no circumstances would interference with the existing regimes in Egypt and Palestine he permitted, and whether in view of the changed conditions caused by development in the air, the question of strengthening Britain’s defences in the Suez Canal area would he considered in consultation with the Egyptian Government? Mr Baldwin replied that it would he realised that Egypt and Palestine \vere in separate categories. So far as Egypt .was concerned his Majesty’s Government had notified foreign powers in March, 1922, that they had decided to terminate the protectorate and recognised that country as a sovereign independent state. In notifying the [lowers his Majesty’s Government made it clear in unmistakable terms that they would regard as an unfriendly act any attempt at interference Jn the affairs of Egypt by any power, and Would consider any aggression against territory in Egypt- as an act to be repelled by all means at tlieir command. The Prime Minister added: “A further statement appears to he unnecessary.” Continuing he said as regards the' Suez Canal Area, preliminary conversations at present were being held in Cairo with a view to the negotiation of a treaty of alliance between the United Kingdom and Egypt, and the questions concerning the protection of the canal was being taken into account. Ilis Majesty’s Government were responsible- for the administration and protection of Palestine in accordance with the terms of the mandate, and hitended to discharge tlieir responsibilities to the full.