BRITAIN AND EGYPT

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 131, 2 March 1928, Page 9

BRITAIN AND EGYPT

PROPOSED NEW TREATY VITAL IMPORTANCE OF SUEZ CANAL OFFICIAL PAPERS PROMISED Details of the proposed AngloEgyptian treaty, emanating from Egyptian sources, are characterised as “inaccurate and misleading forecasts, which should only be accepted with the utmost reserve.” Sir Austen Chamberlain has promised to lay the papers relating to the conversations on the table cf the House within a few days. Meanwhile there are indications of a political crisis in Egypt. BY Telegraph.—Press Association —Copyright. London, February 29. The native newspapers in Cairo state that the following are the chief points of the proposed new Anglo-Egyptian Treaty:— British troops to continue stationed in the Suez Canal zone. The aerodromes to remain in British hands. Egypt’s foreign affairs to continue to be conducted under British supervision. i The Sudan Condominium to continue under the British and Egyptian Governments, pending a new special treaty. The Foreign Office declines to corroborate or deny the above points seriatim, but states that the papers, which will be laid before Parliament at the earliest moment, should satisfy everyone that Britain has made the fullest concession to the Egyptians’ legitimate independence. Everything now depends on whether the Egyptian Ministers are '■ourageous enough to tell the people that extremists’ theories ot complete independence are a mere impractical dream in view of Egypt’s geographical

n situation astride one of the world’s i- main sea routes. ti The official view’ in London is that if Britain left Egypt altogether, some f other Power would eventually take her ;. place. It is learned that the Dominions were kept in closest touch with the negotiations. They are in complete agreement with Britain’s policy as to their most vital concern—namely, the defence of the Suez Canai. The British United Press Cairo correspondent says that the treaty provides for Egypt’s immediate admittance tn ' the League of Nations. Egypt undertakes not to conclude third-party treaties without Britain’s approval. ■ “A CORRECT FORECAST”

1 ( 'Term of British mili- . TARY OCCUPATION Cairo. February 29. The newspaper "Al Ahram,” in what is regarded as approximately a correct forecast, says that the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty will be offensive and defensive. Britain will maintain a military occupation for ten years, after which the question of future occupation will he submitted to the League of Nations, if a mutual understanding is not reached. Britain guarantees Egypt water supply from the Sudan, and agrees to the suppression of the capitulations, under which foreign Governments enjoy wide powers of jurisdiction over their own nationals. The proposals include giving Egypt a free hand to tax Europeans, also the suppression of Consular Courts. The Egyptian army will be organised on British lines, with an Egyptian Sirdar at the head, and will render Britain, in the event of war, all assistance within Egyptian territory. WILL SARWAT PASHA RESIGN? NO PROSPECT OF DRAFT BEING SIGNED (Rec. March 1, 7 p.m.) London, March 1. The Cairo correspondent of the “Daily Express” states that both the Wafd' and Liberal constitutional ex-

ecutives favour the rejection of the .British proposals as recently communicated to them by Sarwat Pasha. The newspaper "Mookattam,” in making this announcement, adds that Sarwat will probably refrain from publicly detailing the conversations and will merely inform Lord Lloyd that there is no prospect of the draft agreement being signed, and thereupon will resign. Meantime the excitement continues, students assembler! outside the Wafd headquarters shouting “Down with the false agreement 1 Down with the Government 1” “INACCURATE AND MIS- • LEADING” OFFICIAL STATEMENT Rugby, February 29. It is understood that the Egyptian Prime Minister, Sarwat Pasha, has now laid before his Cabinet the results of bis conversations in London with Sir

Austen Chamberlain. The purpose ol these conversations was to substitute for the unilateral declaration of 1022. which now governs the relations of the two countries, a Treaty of Alliance between Great Britain and Egypt. The Egyptian Press contains inaccurate and misleading forecasts of the draft treaty, which should only he accepted with the utmost reserve, pending the laving o;i Ihe table of the pavers re luting to the conversations, which Sir \listen Chamberlain has promised to Parliament at the earliest possible moment.—British Official Wireless.