"K'S" STRONG HAND IN EGYPT.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1944, 30 December 1913, Page 5

"K'S" STRONG HAND IN EGYPT.

UNDERCURRENT OF POLITICAL

EVENTS.

KHEDIVE GIVES WAY TO LORD

KITCHENER.

Oy Ttlenrash—Press Association*-Oosyrlcht (Roc. Bobcnibcr 30, 0.L5 a.m.) London, December '20. The newspapers are collating various facts about ligj-pt in connection with the movements of the British Flout. Thoy credit Lord Kitchener's "strong hand" in Egypt with another notable success. With the Egyptian Ministry's support, he urged the reorganisation of tho Vnliotifs, placing these under a responsible- Minister, similar to the'system in Turkey. The Khedive objected, and a Miniscrisis was threatened, whereupon the Khedive proposed to rei'or the matter to the Sultan. Lord Kitchener gladly assented, and tho Sultan's sanction to the creation of tho Vakoufs' ministry was received within twentyfour hours.

There aro indications that thu Grand Vizier, as a member, of tho Kliedival family, having elaimß to tho Egyptian throne, supported Lord Kitchener. Meanwhile, Egyptian fanatics Start' fid an agitation, and accused tho British _ of an intention to seize the religious endowments. The Sultan's dcereo wa.s signed on November 20 last, a few hours before tho British Fleet's arrival at Port Said. It was announced on November 21 that a party of 1000 bluejackets wore to visit Cairo, and- this was iutorgrcted in ranw circles as being done for the purpose of overawing the population. Others suggested that the demonstration may have been needed to terminate the Khedive's irresolution.

The Khcdivo instantly concurred in tho Sultan's decision, and his relations with Lord Kitchener aro nott to all appearances cordial.