EGYPTIAN CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 11 April 1928, Page 2

EGYPTIAN CRISIS

BRITAIN’S REPLY GIVEN, (Australian Press Association.) RUGBY, April 1. J.ord Lloyd, British High Commissioner for Egypt, has transmitted to Naims Pasha, the Egyptian Prime Minister, a Note from the British Government in reply to Egypt's Note of March 30th. The British Government states that it cannot accept Naims Pasha’s Note as a correct exposition of the relations existing between Great Britain and Egypt, or of their respective obligations.

The Note proceeds to restate the position as follows: ‘‘By the declaration of February 28th. 1922, his Majesty's Government declared the independence of Egypt, subject to four reservations. His Majesty’s Government accompanied the announcement of their decision to the .foreign Powers hy a statement that the welfare and integrity of Egypt are necessary to the peace and safety of the British Empire, which will therefore always maintain, as an essential British interest, the special relations between itself and Egypt, long recognised by other Governments. In calling attention to these special relations as defined in the Declaration, his Majesty’s Government stated that they would not admit them to he questioned or discussed by any other Power, tlfat they would regard as an unfriendly act an attempt at interference ill the affairs of Egypt hy another Power, and that they would consider any aggression against the territory of Egypt as an act to he repelled with all means at their com-, inand. In view of the responsibility this incurred towards other Powers and of tin- vital importance of Egypt t<> the British Empire, the following points were reserved: hirst, security of British communications; second, the defence of Egypt against all foreign aggression, or interference, direct or indirect; third, protection ol foreign interests in Egypt wild protect inn of minorities, anil lourtli. protection of the Sudan until such time as these matters should have been settled by agreement between the British and Egyptian Governments. Flis Majesty's Government sought, and believed that they had found such a settlement hv the Treaty, ivhich was negotiated with the late Prime Minister of Egypt.”

The British Note concludes: “The Egyptian Government having refused that Treaty the status quo ante continues.

“The position, to-day is therefore the same as when life negotiations between Air Ramsay MacDonald and Zagliul Pasha broke down, except insofar as it has been mollified by Hie Notes exchanged in November. 1924. The reserved points remain reserved to the aibsulute discretion of the British Government. the Egyptian Government exercising its independent authority subject in satisfying the British Government on these matters.” ■