EGYPT AND BRITAIN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 79, 15 January 1936, Page 5

EGYPT AND BRITAIN.

ATTITUDE OF UNITED FRONT. ANTI-GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGN. (United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, January 13. The Cairo correspondents of both "The Times" and "The Daily Telegraph" suggest that things are not going happily with the newly-formed United Front, the chief complication being attacks by the Arabic press on British participation in the Mersamatruh railway as another British method tightening her hold on Egypt. This campaign is sponsored by those who arc opposed to the Wafd Cabinet, as distinct from one with a United Front personnel. It is suggested that to thwart this anti-Government campaign the Finance Minister should propose that Egypt bear the whole cost of the rail: Meanwhile the "Wafd is showing disinclination to permit the United Front, after the election, to conduct treaty negotiations with Britain. It is even suggested that the Wafd withdraw from the United Front if the point is pressed, as it is seemingly convinced that the elections will give it the necessary authority to negotiate a treaty as the most powerful party.

A Cairo cablegram dated January 9 stated: The Cabinet has decided to appropriate £94,000 toward the building of a. 50-mile strategic railway from Fouka to Mersamatruh, which at present has no railway communication with the remainder of Egypt. Britain is contributing £20,000.