WARSHIPS DISPATCHED

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 342, 1 May 1928, Page 1

WARSHIPS DISPATCHED

Grave Position in Egypt BRITAIN SENDS ULTIMATUM Nahas Pasha Still Defiant EVENTS have taken a serious turn in Egypt, with the delivery of Britain’s ultimatum to Nahas Pasha, about the offending Assemblies Bill. Five cruisers are steaming from Malta to Egypt, as an earnest of the British determination to take strong steps if Nahas is still defiant. The situation is one of tension. (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian P.A. — United Service)

Heed. Noon. LONDON, Monday. Sir Austen Chamberiain, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in the House of Commons said that Lord Lloyd, British High Commissioner in Egypt, last night delivered a final warning to the Egyptian Government, demanding a written categorical assurance that the Assemblies’ Bill would not be proceeded with. If the assurance were not received y the evening of May 2, Britain would consider herself free to take whatever action she deemed necessary. The Cairo correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” states that the air is full of electricity. Another telegram from the Egyptian . , | . capital confirms the „r A. Chamberlain statement that the Iritish Note regarding the Assemblies till was handed to the Egyptian overnment on Sunday evening. After he Cabinet had discussed the Note, dug Fuad gave an audience to the •lime Minister. Nahas Pasha. It was xpected that when the Bill came heore the Senate on Monday evening it would be referred to the Legal Co-.i littee. That would have the effect . ■helving the measure. In a later message the Cairo correslondent of the “Telegraph” says the Iritish Note was In the form of an iltimatum. It was presented tc Sahas Pasha, who says he is not dis Bayed, and is determined not to resign Until he is forced to do so. The diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Chronicle” also says the British lovernment has sent an ultimatum tc Sgypt to the effect that if the Assent

blies Bill is passed Britain will take action to safeguard British and foreign interests. It is believed that action will take the form of the seizure of the customs. Part of the Mediterranean Fleet has been ordered from Malta to Alexandria and Port Said. “NOT A BLUFF” “Britain’s ultimatum is not mere bluff, but is absolutely the final step, preceding the firmest action in Egypt if Nahas Pasha does not withdraw the Public Assemblies Bill by May 2,” says the “Herald’s” political correspondent. “No modification will now be accepted, only entire withdrawal, failing which Britain will act the moment the ultimatum expires.” There is reason for believing that one step may be the immediate seizure of the Customs, while warships and troops will stand by as a warning against violence. The action taken will be strictly within the constitutional rights of the 1922 declaration. It is learned that the British Government discussed the Bill with Nahas Pasha to the week-end, in order to give him an opportunity to modify it. Nahas Pasha’s determined defiance resulted in the decision to send an ultimatum. Reed. 9.5 a.m. CAIRO, Monday. Mr. Reginald Hoare, Counsellor to the British Residency, last night handed Nahas Pasha a Note giving Egypt three days to withdraw the Assemblies Bill, otherwise Britain will take whatever steps may be deemed necessary to protect foreign interests. Reed. Noon. MALTA, Monday. The cruisers Ceres, Calypso, Caledon, Warspite, and Valiant have now left for Egypt.