EGYPTIAN CRISIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1924, Page 2

EGYPTIAN CRISIS.

[Reuters Tei.ecicams.] A BLOW TO EGYPT'S EXISTENCE. LONDON, Nov. AA. The ‘‘Daily Express” in an editorial, expresses the view that public opinion throughout the Empire supports the Government uncompromisingly in handling the Egyptian crisis. At present there is no place for counsels of sweet i easijun lileucss. Assassination, incompetence to govern, and frenzy, are not factors for discussions. The rejection of the British ultimatum can only mean the reiinpnsitioii of martial law. Britain’s demands only amount to .leaee for the Sudan and peace ami security lor all foreigners in Egypt. The “Express” regrets the amount fixed as an indemnity, and adds that the extension of the Sudan irrigation might lie represented as a blow to Egypt's very existence, and points out such fears are shown by the announcement that irrigation will only lie extended provided Egypt’s supply is maintained.

ZAGill.l'l.'S STATEMENT. ' CAM DO, November At. At a momentous sitting of the Chamber, Zaghlul exhorted patience and the greatest prudence because the slightest rashness might result in must terrible consequences. He then read the reply to the British Note. This was received til silence. An opposition speaker characterised the reply as ridiculous and purely an acceptance of the wounds indicted on the. country, lie declared the Premier had betrayed the confidence placed in him.

Zaghlul replying said: “I have don my duty and I have not betrayed ill confidence of tlie country. I am pre pared to cede my place to anyone bet ter qualified to see the country throng ii.s difficulties.

The Zaghlulixts rose in their seats and accorded the Premier an ovation. ’l’he Residency Secretary handed Zeaghlul a reply from Lord Allenhy within two hours.

THE ULTIMATUM'. LONDON. ‘.November 2A. The “Daily Chronicle’s'’ Cairo corres; (indent sav.s: “The terms of the British ultimatum have created a tremendous sensation. Something stiff was expe.ted. but this bombshell was infinitely sterner than anybody bail anticipated. No one believed it pi ssihlc that Zaghlul Pasha would accept. The British have come to important di.'cisioiis regarding the immediate strengthening of the British forces in Egypt. The “Daily Chronicle” diplomatic correspondent says: The present garrison in the Soudan is about two thousand British soldiers and two thousand F.gyl linns, witli cloven thousand Soudanese. , LONDON. November At.

Lady Druinmond-Ilay. the “Daily Express" correspondent at Cairo, attended at Parliament House. She says : Premier Zaghlul Pasha appealed fatigued, but calm. His proliminaiy spec' ll was moderate. The reading of the Egyptian reply provoked immense enthusiasm among the. delegates. Speaking at a secret session. Premier Zaghlul complained that bird Allenhy -lighted him by nil: creninuiously enle:-

g bis office, and rapping out : “Do you understand English?” He (Zaghlul), had answered “No!" “Never mind.” replied l.nrd Allenhy. who then read the British ultimatum in English. leaving Zaghlul himself to surmise the purport of the ultillinium until a copy in French was handed to him. l.o:d Allonhv then lell. A F DENCH FDD EC ASIA PADS. November AA. “I.a Gniilois" foresees a general rising of the Moslems, which will be had tint It for France and Britain, and possibly. it will lead to an upheaval in Svria. in Mnroi-'/o and in all Africa.

The newspaper urges that tlieie will b" I-'raiuo-liritish pourparlers with a vh-'.i t-i jurisdiction. I’ll ESS COMMENT. I.nNDI in. November 23. Tin- “Daily ('lironicleV' diplomatic correspondent says.—When the Egyptians declared their independence in 11122. Britain notified the Bowers that any interference by them in Egyptian affairs would be regarded as an unfriendly act. so no one is likely to take up the matter. If this question is raised, the Council of the League of Nations will probably ask the permanent Coin l of Justhe to decide whether the British action cullies under the category of internal jurisdicitiou. BRITISH ECONOMIC DEMANDS. LONDON. November 23.

Regarding two ol the important demands in the British note, ii is pointed out. Ihstly. that the retention in Egypt of British judicial and tinam-ial advisers to the Government relates to three ollicials whose powers were encroached upon under the Zaghlul regime; and secondly, that the British demand unlimited inigaiion rights as the Sudan; in which connection it is recalled that an extensive scheme for irrigation in Ger.ira. for the purpose of cotton growing, to assist tin* Sudan Government was voluntarilv curtailed to three hundred thousand feddans. bv Lord Allenby in order to placate ibe l-’.gvp.tians. who feared that tin* damming ot tlio l pper Nile ritiuld oiwtaii their supplies. An authoritative; statement from the British viewpoint declares that nothing in the present note will endanger the Egyptian water supply. PROTEST ’AGAINST UI.TIMATI'M. LONDON. November 21.

The South I .nothin Federation of the Indcpneilent Labour Party lias passed r resolution in favour of Ibe League ol Nations immediately investigating am rc-iiuriing on tin* Egyptian question.

The resolution adds: “Meanwhile, wprotest against tin* ultimatum as bciitj a giavo menace to peac e. \\ c* recoin mend the acceptance of the terms tlmi are agreed to by tin* Egyptian Govern ment as the basis of a settlement.”