EGYPT AND BRITAIN

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26509, 25 August 1951, Page 7

EGYPT AND BRITAIN

“Treaty Will Be Abrogated” (N.Z. Press Association-Copyright) CAIRO, August 23. Egypt was determined to abrogate the treaty of 1936 between Britain and Egypt, and abstain from helping the Western Powers in the event of war unless her national demands were met. the Egyptian Prime Minister (Nahas Pasha) said to-night. He was broadcasting to the nation from a mass meeting in Alexandria on the occasion of the anniversary of the death of the Wafd founder, Saad Zaghlul. “Egypt has unanimously decided that the 1936 treaty has outlived its purpose. and it is time we got rid of its bonds,” he said. “It should be abrogated, and it shall be abrogated in the near future, if God wills.” Nahas Pasha said that after long and protracted negotiations Egypt had expected the British to change the old Imperialistic mentality “no longer justified by logic or present circumstances," and “to abandon their outdated and unacceptable ideas of colonisation.” Egypt had expected Britain to recognise her right to the evacuation and unity of the Nile Valley, and to avoid placing obstacles before a Government which truly represented the Egyptian people. But the British had done nothing but talk and must, therefore, be responsible for the consequences. “The colonists must know, if they do not already know it, that Egypt’s patience is exhausted, and that she will achieve her rights whatever the obstacles to be overcome."