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Hokitika Guardian, 3 April 1930, Page 4

Thk Eor.vpi'iiin Prime Minister is now in London at the head of 11 delegation which has heon authorised to negotiate a settlement of the controversial questions still outstanding between Egvpt find Britain. The draft treaty published early in August last is to form the basis of tbe discussions, and as this document was described by Mr

Henderson as marking “the extreme limit” to l which Britain is prepared to go, we may assume that, if a scttlemetn is arranged, it will follow the lii.es of these pioposais. The chief points in ihe draft aie that the military occupation of Egypt by British troops is to be tenmnaicd, and that tlie small detachment left to guard the canal zone shall ue removed eastward, so as to oe entirely out of touch with Cairo and Alexandria. Britain is to assist Egypt to enter the League of A a cions, and is to urge the oilier Powers to consent to the abolition of the extra-territorial courts. The position in regard to the Sudan is to remain unaltered, but in all other respects rvgypt is to be virtually a free aiVd ! independent State. Even these generous concessions are not enough to satisfy Nalias Pasha and the Wal’d or Nationalist Parly which lie leads. On me other hand, they are regarded by Conservative public opinion at Home as excessive and dangerous, and unless ihe forecast of last August is substantially modified, there will be a great (unburst of indignation from a large section of the House of Commons when ihe treaty is finally submitted to Parliament. 'Hie Conference no doubt will have far-reaching effects with regard to other native races subject to British rifle. The unrest in the world since the war seems to 1 be a yearning iteshe in all directions for greater freedom and independence. Imbed the same kind of spirit is observable as a rule in family life, and the individuals evidently carry it out into the world. No doubt the freedom desired is that degree which will assure the future of democracy, but in respect ton national issue such as Egyptian Government, .it has io be borne in mind that the country is part of a wholb, and so special exceptions can be granted there which may not be the privilege also of oilier countries, The point is what is the extreme limit England can go io assure the safety of her occupation of Egypt, which is an essential possession as a sentinel on the highway to the East and India in particular. The Suck Canal has to be made safe for maritime traffic for all time, and British rule in Egypt will be demanded to that end. Naturally the Egyptian nationals are asking for more than they are likely to receive. It is the way of the world when seeking so called reforms. History records the fate of natives left to their own devi es, but British interests are such tha; Egypt can never be left solely to tlie rule of tbe native race. Great Britain in tlie (interests of tlie Empire must have a controlling voice anti force to maintain the rights and interests of the British race, and all concessions made must lie subservient to that degree of special interest.