SERIOUS MENACE TO THE SUDAN

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 196, 8 November 1927, Page 1

SERIOUS MENACE TO THE SUDAN

question RAISED OF BRITISH RIGHTS UNDER 1902 TREATY

jy Cable. —Press Association. — Copyright. Reed. 9.20 a.m. NEW YORK, Mon.

Officials of the J. G. White Ery gineering Corporation have expressed surprise at the international sensation created by the Lake Tsana dam project, with the Egyptian Cabinet thoroughly aroused, and British officials regarding the matter as most terlous.

Officers of the White Corporation uiij;—“We have been assured that there is no clause in the 1902 treaty between Abyssinia and Britain which would prohibit the project. There is a clause whereby Abyssinia grants Britain the first option of any. Government loans, but the Tsana dam projfet does not involve a Government ioan, consequently we do not see what possible objection the British Foreign Office can have. Our project is removed from any political motive. It is purely an engineering matter.” Corporation officials declared that both Britain and Abyssinia would be ultimate beneficiaries. They announce that they will begin immediately to build the dam, at a cost of £4,000,000.

The agreement was reached with Dr. Martin, Envoy Extraordinary, and Mr. Alfred Juttner, local agent, of the Abyssinian Government. It is understood that under the terms of the agreement the company will sell the Impounded waters or develop them for water-power as it sees fit. The money so derived will be used to develop Abyssinia.—A. and X.Z.

Earlier despatches received in New York from London quote British officials as having stated that the project is counter to the Treaty between Abyssinia and Britain of 1902, and that it must receive the 'approval of the British Government. New York newspapers, moreover, state that the issue may come up before the League of Nations for settlement.