EGYPT & PALESTINE.

Wairarapa Age, 23 May 1936, Page 5

EGYPT & PALESTINE.

MAINTENANCE OF BRITISH RIGHTS. STATEMENT BY MR. BALDWIN. PROTECTION OF THE SUEZ CANAL. RUGBY, May 21. The Prime Minister was asked at question time in the House of Commons 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, the Government would make it clear in unmistakable terms that in no circumstances would interference with the existing regimes in Egypt and Palestine be 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 be considered, in consultation with the Egyptian Government.

Mr. Baldwin replied that it would be realised that Egypt and Palestine were in separate categories. So far as Egypt was concerned, his Majesty’s Government notified foreign Powers in March, 1922, that it had decided to terminate the protectorate and recognised that country as a sovereign independent State. In notifying the Powers, his Majesty’s Government had made it clear in unmistakable terms that it would regard as an unfriendly act any attempt at interference in the affairs of Egypt by any Power and would consider any aggression against the territory of Egypt as an act to be repelled by all the means at its command. The Prime Minister added: “A further statement appears to be unnecessary.” Continuing, he said that as regards the Suez Canal area preliminary conversations were at present being held in Cairo with a view to the negotiation of a Treaty of Alliance between the United Kingdom and Egypt, and questions connected with the protection of the Canal were being taken into account.

His Majesty’s Government was responsible for the administration and protection of Palestine in accordance with the terms of the mandate, and intended to discharge its responsibilities to the full.—'(British Official Wireless).