OPINION DIVIDED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 205, 29 August 1936, Page 9

OPINION DIVIDED.

BRITISH PRESS VIEWS.

Criticism and Favourable

Reception.

FUTURE OF EGYPT

British Official Wireless.

(Received 1.30 p.m.) RUGBY, August 28,

The terms of the treaty between Britain and Egypt are fully set out in the newspapers, which recognise that it opens a new era in the relations between the two countries.

The "Daily Telegraph" expresses keen satisfaction that a solution, satisfactory to Egyptian Nationalism and to the protection of certain vital Biitish Imperial interests has been reached.

It hopes tlie Powers will meet the Egyptian request regarding capitulations in a generous spirit, and in regard to other features it remarks that the conception of the alliance dominates the whole treaty. All military arrangements assure that the alliance will be lasting, and that the military interests of Egypt will remain identical with those of Britain.

Concessions made in connection with restoration and co-ordination in the Sudan, it adds, are large but just. The real question has always been whether they were safe and in the highest interests of the Sudan and its people. Time alone can supply the answer, and it will largely depend upon the capacity of the new Egypt for good government as well as for self-government. Severely Critical Opinion. "The Morning Post" is severely critical of the treaty in regard to military articles, capitulations and the Sudan. British military occupation, it says, was not in any sense that mattered a restriction of Egyptian freedom, but an effectual guarantee of Egypt's safety. The treaty, it adds, weakens British capacity to protect Egypt at the very moment when it ought to be strengthened.

While agreeing that a capitulatory regime is in need of modification, it believes uneasiness will be felt among foreign communities at the length to which the treaty goes in the direction of their extinction, and it fears the provisions concerning the Sudan may produce friction in that difficult territory. The "Manchester Guardian" says the treaty is another witness of the more libex-al attitude both in Britain's foreign relations and Imperial policy which, on the whole, has prevailed since the war. Labour Attitude Favourable. The Labour organ, the "Daily Herald," says: "Doubtless there will be criticism, in both countries of "the details of the treaty, but we believe that the mass of opinion in both countries will be more than satisfied that the unhappy past can_now be forgotten. It is the future whiph matters, and for the people of Egypt the future which the treaty provides is at once great in opportunity and great in responsibility. For that future they have the best wishes of the British people."

The "Daily Mail" attitude continues to be severely critical, and it describes the treaty as a blow to Empire security.

No difficulties are anticipated in regard to ratification in Cairo or London, and it is assumed that at the earliest meeting of the League of Nations Assembly after ratification Egypt's application for membership of the League will be considered. It will, of course, have the warm support of the British Government.