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Hokitika Guardian, 31 July 1929, Page 4

The Egyptian situation created by the resignation of the British High Commissioner has created a political stir at Home, as well as much interest abroad. Egypt is an important centre to Great Britain commanding the Suez Lanai, which is the highway to India and the East, as well as an alternative route to other more distant parts of the Empire. The change of Government at Home has brought Labour to the fore, and there is concern lest the policy of the Ministry will destroy British control, and so jeopardise the large British interests involved. The policy of the Government regarding Egypt has not yet been disclosed, beyond the statement that the present Foreign Secretary (Mr Henderson) was pursuing the policy of liis predecessor (Sir Austen Chamberlain). It would appear that before the advent of the Labour Government, Lord Lloyd’s relations with the Foreign Office were strained, and apparently have now reached breaking point. Doubtless the High Commissioner, who is evidently strong-minded, felt if lie could not get along with Sir Austen, it would be hopeless to expect to do so with the more Radical party, the bent of whose policy is likely to go further in freedom of action to the Eg3 r ption nationals. There would be some justification for the resignation if it was a difference of opinion on some such large policy matter but for ordinary differences, Lord Lloyd appears to be the sort of resolute representative who would not fail to make plain to those concerned the gravity of any radical change in dealing with native races. Tt is certainly essential that there should be no weakening of the safeguards built up in Egypt to secure the adequate protection of British interests. It is better to safeguard by legitimate protection rather than to defend by force of arms if the great Imperial interests involved in Egypt were assailed from within or without. No doubt Lord Lloyd had strong convictions along these lines, and as a man on tire spot and familiar with the native mind and its working, his views are worthy of respect. The Government should select a successor with every care, for the security of British interests is not a party matter, it is of national concern, and the Empire is involved very'directly. On that account the choice of a successor to Lord Lloyd will be awaited with a wide general interest in the matter.