BRITISH PRESTIGE

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1926, Page 4

BRITISH PRESTIGE

HIGHER IN EGYPT. 1 CAIRO, June 11. l British prestige in Egypt stands higher to-day than at any time since the Sirdar. Sir Leo Stack, was murdered in the streets of Cairo at, the end of 1924. This is due to the firm stand taken up by the British Government and the British High Commissioner in Egypt, Lord Lloyd, against Zaghlul Pasha’s intention to assume the Premiership. This was open defiance of the British Government, which has repeatedly bold Zaghlul responsible for fomenting tile murder of British subjects in Egypt and announced its resolve to have no further relations with him. Had we permitted Zaghlul to impose himself as Premier all tlie good of the ultimatum that followed Sir Leo Stack’s murder would have been undone and the persecution and murder of our fellow-countrymen and supporters in Egypt might easily have begun again. Fortunately, for the first time since the premature grant of Egyptian independence in 1922, the . British Government stood firm. Lord Lloyd, whose influence and—with the mass of the Egyptian people—even popularity have constantly increased since liis arrival eight months ago, took a strong but tactful line towards this challenge. He made it clear that England would not allow Zaghlul to avail himself of a constitution of our own crcntioii to resume the power he abused so ruthlessly. before. ADLY’S DIFFICULT TASK. The result is that Adly Pasha, the leader of the Liberal minority ill the new Parliament, met King Fuad in the presence of that Parliament as Premier to-day. Adly has a difficult task, for ho can only govern with the laid of Zaghlulist votes, which Zaghlul has promised him. Eastern peoijles like tho Egyptians instinctively admire and respect strength. Wo have gained more in their esteem by refusing to receive Zaghlul as Premier than by all cur recent policy of compromise and surrender. When Zaghlul followed the King’s state procession to Parliament this morning some oi his supporters tried to rouse demonstrations in his favour, hut they remained phlpably artificial, despite tho perspiring efforts of gesticulating, tarbush-waving cheer lenders. Equally organised was the hooting of Ziwar Pasha, the last Premier, who was thus rewarded for his efficient rule during a difficult time and for his loyal and slraighti'ontard doal- • ings .with the British Government. The danger of' trouble is not yet over in Egypt. No olio knows bow long the new Parliament will last. Thanks, however, to our new policy 1 of energy in Cairo, we have strengthened our position hero while dealing ' fairly and frankly by tho Egyptian nation. Zaghlul Pasha (tho leader of the Egyptian extremists) was to-day elected President of the Chamber of Deputies. The King’s Speech opening Parliament to-dav was mainly notable for its statement .that the Government’s firsttask would bo the creation of an at- . mosphero ilivourablo to arriving at a good understanding with Britain, which would allow the country to obtain the full fruits of independence. The Speech expressed the opinion 11 1 : 1 1 the measures taken in the Sudan did not prejudice Egypt’s legitimate rights in that country, and declared that the Government would make every effort to reach a. solution satisfactory to Egypt. The Speech concluded by stating tß'it application would he made for admission to th o League of Nations.