EGYPTIAN CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1927, Page 2

EGYPTIAN CRISIS

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.! LONDON. May 29. Tlie “ Daily Mail’s ” Cairo correspondent says: Lord Lloyd (British High Commissioner) informed Sarivat Pasha. (Egyptian Premier) that the question of the Sirdar’s powers in Egypt never entered into the agreement regarding Egypt and its independence. Lord Lloyd stated Britain insists that a high English officer must continue to hold such post. The warships Royal Sovereign and Malaya have .suddenly been ordered to leave Malta. The “ Daily Mail ” understands they are sailing for Egypt, in consequence of the advisableness of making a demonstration as a precaution against a possible recommencement of a murder campaign against the British in Egypt in connection with the Egyptian Parliament Committee’s recommendation that tlie Sirdar should he deprived of his powers. LONDON, May 30. The “ Times ” Cairo correspondent says: Lord Lloyd lias had a lengthy audience with King Fuad of Egypt. It is understood that he had received the British Government’s approval of his (Lloyd’s! views concerning a reorganisation of the Egyptian Army, and that he had ssait an official Note to Premier Salivat Pasha thereon. Meanwhile there is considerable tension in political circles, which apprehend a serious crisis, as it is stated that the Wafil Society, which control tile policy of Premier Sarwat’s Cabinet, are determined to stand firm. Studied, scurrilous insolence of speeches in the Egyptian Chamber give tlie present debate tlie appearance of a deliberate attempt to vilify Britain in tlie eyes of tlie Fellaliin, and also to inflame public opinion in the hope of securing support for resistance to any steps which Britain may take to enforce her point of view. The foreign communities here are generally ready to support any action tending to end the activities which they recognise as likely to not only endanger British interests, but seriously affects their own position if allowed to continue.

Local notables regard as a serious feature of an ominous situation the fact that Zaglilul Pasha (ex-Premier) occupied the chair of the Chamber throughout the disgraceful proceedings without any attempt to curb the immoderate language. Doubtless, knowing a crisis in the Egyptian army is imminent, the Zaghlulists, who always stage-manage debates beforehand, made up their minds to arrange tills anti-British demonstration in order to strengthen their position in the country and with the representative Egyptians outside of politics.