EGYPTIAN AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 March 1925, Page 3

EGYPTIAN AFFAIRS

[“The Times” Service.J

PARLI AMENT DISSOLVED

A DRAMATIC END,

CAIRO, .March 23.

The Egyptian Parliament, which opened at 10 o’clock this morning with such grandeur, ceased to exist at 7.1 d this evening, this doubtless, constituting a historical record for the shortest duration for any Parliament.

I hough it was semi-oflieiallv given nut a lew days ago that a dissolution was inevitable if the Government were faced with an adverse majority, the decree to dissolve came like a thunderclap. When the mem hers emerged from the building they found a strong force of xteel-helmoted police drawn on outside, while both ends of the adjacent streets were controlled by mounted pol-, ice. The members dispersed quietly. The decree fixes new elections for the 23rd of -May, and the new Parliament assembles on June 1. ( AIRO, -March 2d. The Parliament has been again dissolve!!.

The end came with dramatic sudden ness. The Premier stopped the pro (■ceilings in the Chamber by reading n decree, which was received with vociferous cheers by the Zaghlulists. The House emptied rapidly.

Zaghlul Pasha, who was standing witli a grave countenance at the liend of the gangway, was hastily .summoned. The dissolution is due to King Fuad declining to accept the resignation of the Cabinet, following upon Zaghlul Pasha’s election as President of the Chamber. LONDON', March iM. The “Daily Herald’s” political correspondent describes the dismissed of the Egyptian Chamber as “high-hand-ed” and says: “Apparently, in no event is a Zaghlul Government to he j allowed to take office. The Egyptian people may have a Parliament only on the condition that they elect members subservient to the occupying power.” I The correspondent, however, leaves out of account the tragic event which resulted in the downfall of Zaghlul’s last Administration. CAIRO, March ill. The political situation is explained by the following circumstances:— The Government at first regarded Zaghloul Pasha’s election as President of the Chamber in face of the Government nominee as no more than a personal compliment. Moreover, Zaghloul Pasha in taking his sent, and thanking the House for its confidence said: “As President of the Chamber 1 shall I not represent any particular party, hut I the constitution and the law.” The Cha mher afterwards, however, elected two presidents, they receiving 121 and Ilf) votes respectively. The full House comprises 211 delegates.

It seems clear that a number ot the delegates elected as Independents and as nnti-Wnfd, maintained an adherence to the AVaftl organisation. Zaghloul Pasha , since the elections, has persistently maintained that many of the candidates claimed by the Government as nnti-Zaghloulists, would support him in Parliament. Events prove, this to be correct. Apparently, Zirwar Pasha’s Ministry will now govern without a Parliament until June. It remains to he seen how far the new contests in June will alter the situation.

Til E ONLY COURSE. [“Tite Times” Sehvice.l / 'Received this (lay at 8.5 U a.m.) LONDON .March ”1. Tliu “ Tiinos” Cairo correspondent; says that Ziwar Pasha, in an interview said the dissolution was the only course possible. He declared that it was perfectly obvious the majority intended to persist in the disastrous policy which provoked the British ultimatum. This was plainly manifested by the Chamber choosing as President a man solely and notoriously responsible for that policy. A dissolution, therefore, was the only solution. Ziwar Paslm added the Government in the meantime, would remain in office, safeguarding all interests indiscriminately. He sincerely hoped the next Parliament would have a saner on tloolc.

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