EGYPTIAN AFFAIRS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 984, 29 July 1882, Page 3

EGYPTIAN AFFAIRS.

Alexandria, July 24. Arabi has issued a reply to the recent proclamation ot the Khedive formally dismissing him from the position of Minister of War. Arabi's reply takes the form of a proclamation calling for " Jehad," or holy war. The cry hat been taken up by the masses, who are now flocking to his standard in great numbers. July 25. News is to hand that further diaturbances have occurred at Tantah, in which Europeans have been attacked and killed by the natives. The most frightful atrocities are reported to have been committed by the Egyptians upon •their victims. J- JThe" British troops now in occupation of Itamleh have proceeded rapidly with tluj, work of fortifying the place in view of a possible advance of Arabi from Kafradowar against the position. ■fe'"' Paris, July 24. It has transpired that the French expedition to Egypt will be limited to 5000 :men. It is further understood that .the French Government has decided to join England solely for the protection of the Suez Canal. »',-,-■ London, July 24. V. In the House of Commons today, Mr in reply to a question stated that the expeditionary force now being despatched to Egypt would in the first instance consist of 17,500 men, but.that an additional 3000 would leave iater on. The Premier announced that, in order to meet the extraordinary war credit for Egyptian expenditure, an additional 3d in the £ income tax would have to be levied during the present half-year. -,/'lt-is feared that a difficulty will bo experienced through the enemy cutting ft© which supplies Alex-

andria with water. The supply to the city continues .to shrink. The Marquis of Hartington hai given notice in the House of Commons that he will at the earliest possible moment I move that the House approves of India paying the whole cost of the Indian Contingent despatched to Egypt. Mr O'Donnell, • Home Rule member, intimated his intention to submit an amendment that the proposal is iniquitous. Mr Onslow will move that the whole cost of the expenditure be paid by Great Britain. . The European Powers decline to intervene in Egypt, or to depute other Powers to act on behalf of the European Concert, France is holding back, and it is not believed any reliance can be placed on her support, except in providing for the protection of tho (Suez Canal. The expeditionary force organised by Great Britain for despatch to Egypt con-, sists of 2400 cavalry,' 15,400 infantry, 1700 artillery, 8700 of various and 3110 of the reserve. ',..,: ..,,,, ~.., -, July ;25v ;. '. In the House of Commons today Mr Gladstone submitted a Message from the Queen informing the House that the Army .Reserve had been called out for service.

■'-' The Khedive has summoned Cheriff Pasha to form a Ministry.

: The.rebels are joining-the Arab forces daily.

M. De Fr«ycinet has asked the French Chambers to vote 9,500,000 francs to enable France to join in .the protection of the Suez Canal. France will undertake the protection of the northern half of the canal, and provide security for the remainder. It has been discovered that Raybeb Pasha, who was the trusted adviser of the Khedive, is conspiring with Arabi rasha. His dismissal is probable. London, July 25,

Sir Charles Dilke stated in the House of Commons today that the Ports had agreed to send troops to Egypt, and that the conditions of occupation would be disclosed by th» Conference tomorrow. July 26. The London Times, in a; leading article on the Egyptian question, strongly urges a future British protectorate over Egypt. July 26, 6.12 a.m. It is notified that: Italy accepts th e invitation of the Powers to co-operate in the protection of the Suez Canal. Constantinople;, July 26.

Doubt is expressed as to the success of the negotiations now "proceeding between the European Ambassadors and the Ottoman representative ! 'fdr the despatch of Turkish troops to Egypt, and notwithstanding the agreement of the Porte to discuss the Egyptian question with the Powers, and its avowed consent to the principle upon' which action should be taken for a settlement of disorder in Egypt, no reliable estimate can yet be formed ot the Porte's real intentions. Bombay, July 26. It has now been definitely decided to despatch a full Indian contingent of 60G0 troops to Egypt. All the necessary preparations for: transports and victualling are complete, and the force will sail without delay.