EGYPT OF TO-DAY.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3355, 6 December 1919, Page 6

EGYPT OF TO-DAY.

FULL OF INTRIGUE. By a recent mail a Wellington resident received a lengthy and interesting letter from a former New Zealander now stationed at Cairo, Egypt, and occupying a position of some responsibility.

Dealing with the future the writer is somewhat pessimistic, holding that the situation has not improved, and that unless a particularly firm hand is shown serious trouble looms ahead. There are many problems to be solved in that wondrou s country, and in the opinion of the writer the authorities must take steps to suppress all intrigue,, indict the conspirators, and generally remove the disloyal and seditious element which he says is threatening the nation, "ALL SORTS OF INTRIGUES." "The position in Egypt is far from reassuring," ho continues, "For many

"r> hs there have been all sorts of intrigues in operation, and unless some firm action is taken by the British authorities there will always be trouble in this benighted spot. In my opinion Britain has never grappled with the Egyptian problem in the firm manner one would expect from such a strong nation. Of course there may be something under the surface with which I am unacquanited, but to the ! layman the policy savours of supineness—weakness in more directions than one. The evil must be eradicated —it must be killed, not merely scotched. There is~a band- of irreconcilables in Egypt who travel continually, and I am sure their principal mission is propaganda work. They are educated and possess considerable influence with the Egyptians, and have made considerable inroads on the loyalty and contentment of the fellaheen. "Now there is grave danger in all this. I don't know enough yet about, the various tribes, but I do know that; once the fellaheen becomes discon- j tented with his condition and dissatisfied with his work and those in authority, there is danger ahead. There has been conspiracy here for ages, and some pernicious element will always be present, so that the authorities will have to use stern measures to suppress all illegal meetings, demonstrations, and riots

"I don't blame the Turkish or German influence. I think the danger comes from within —in fact I am sure of it. • There are still the same cosmopolitan crowds—English, French, Italian, German and some Turkish — and'they have a truly prolific soil to work on. FIRM HAND NECESSARY.

"The religious aiTwell as the political question has been a made a disturbing factor for years, and so long as unscrupulous men (and women) are allowed to intrigue here, so 'ong will there be danger. At the citadel the other day there was quite a noisy demonstration and things locked troublesome for a time, but •jventually the disturbance was suppressed quietly but firmly, and we were all pleased to see that order was restored Still I don't like the look of thing?, and hope to get a transfer to a more congenial clime, where there is less chance of trouble.

"I repeat th e authorities should stand no more nonsense, but suppress these seditious people with a strong aand. They are not numerous,, but they exercise considerable influence, and with the ignorant tribes may do incalculable harm. During the war Britain had her chance, and appeared to be taking full advantage of it. There is a splendid opportunity still, and I do hope that official bungling and weak-kneed administration will not rob England of the fruits of the victory for which she has given so much."