Spoke Too Soon

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 316, 29 March 1928, Page 1

Spoke Too Soon

CANADA ENDANGERS TREATY Egypt’s Hand Strengthened CANADA’S unnecessary announcement of her rejection of the Egyptian Treaty has placed Britain in a veryawkward position. The treaty, which involves the vitally important question of Suez Canal control, may. never be ratified. i ‘

By Cable. —Press Association. — Copyright.

Reed. 11. S a.m. LONDON, Wed. It is stated that Canada’s premature disclosure of her dissociation from the proposed Egyptian treaty is somewhat embarrassing Britain, not because Britain denies Canada’s right not to concur in this or any other treaty, but because the treaty is still unratified and may never be ratified. Therefore, Canada’s publication of a disclaimer is not only unnecessary, but may possibly strengthen the

Egyptian refusal of ratification, in the hope of detaching other Dominions. It is unlikely to succeed in detaching Australia and New Zealand, whose interests necessarily coincide with Britain’s mantenance of the Suez Canai. The authorities point out that Canada, South Africa, and the Free State are commercially independent of Suez, which is the main artery of India and Australia. It is regrettable, therefore, that Canada’s disclosure will possibly be edtrimental to Australia and India.—A. and N.Z.