BRITAIN AND EGYPT

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26671, 4 March 1952, Page 7

BRITAIN AND EGYPT

Effect Of Change Of Government 4(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON, March 3. Britain will await a move from the new Egyptian Government to resume negotiations on the dispute over the Suez Cartal Zone and the Sudan, without taking the initiative herself. The British view, following the new Egyptian crisis, is to let the new Government, headed by Hilaly Pasha, show its hand In the question of relations with Britain. A Foreign Office spokesman said that it had already been officially stated that Britain was, and is, prepared to negotiate for a settlement of the dispute with any Egyptian Government prepared to negotiate with it; but British Ministers would be unwilling to harass the new Egyptian Government by proposing immediate meetings with the British Ambassador (Sir Ralph Stevenson) even if he were not still confined to his room with a chill.

Hilaly Pasha to-day suspended Parliament for a month and also closed, “until further notice," Fuad al Awal University where the students this morning demonstrated against the Government. Egyptian troops to-night stood guard with tommy-guns and rifles outside the university which is considered a hotbed of nationalism. It is an important factor in Egyptian politics. The lb,ooo students who demonstrated against Hilaly Pasha’s Government said they were resolved to fight relentlessly against the imperialists, to oppose Egypt’s joining any Western regional defence pact, to press for the abolition of martial law. and for the release of political detainees. King Farouk swore in the new Cabinet to-night. He told them: “I wish you success in realising the great programme you have undertaken. May Allah help you in your task." ' The Liberal Constitutional Party has announced its full support for the new Government of the Saadist Party and has also announced that it will back Hilaly Pasha’s policy, particularly on the prorogation of Parliament.