CURBS ON BRITONS

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28129, 19 November 1956, Page 11

CURBS ON BRITONS

Confined To Homes (Rec. 11.45 p.m.) CAIRO, November 17

The Egyptian authorities have decided to put all British and French nationals in Egypt under restricted residence, the director-general of the Information Department, Colonel Abdel Kader Hatem, announced in Cairo todav.

He said this was a measure for their own personal safety, and had been taken in view of the reaction of the Egyptian people to the “atrocities committed by the British and French during their aggression against Port Said.

“Such savage acts as bombardment of the town from the sea and air and the deliberate mass killing of innocent civilians by the British and French has left a very unpleasant feeling indeed among the entire Egyptian population,’’ he said. The order means that British and French nationals will be required to »tay in their places of residence. There are an estimated 2000 Britons and 4000 to 5000 French passport holders in Egypt. A Reuter correspondent ■ says there is no last war model of fraternising in hate-filled, troop-crowded Pori Said. British soldiers have even been i ordered to steer clear of street pedlars of pictures, souvenirs and looted articles, with a warning that some of them are actually secret police in disguise. There is a noticeable absence of women on the streets and curfews have forced the closing of the city’s notorious night clubs, which contributed to its reputation as one of the Mediterranean’s most wicked ports Soldiers do not need the warning not to fraternise as they realise it may be an invitation to a ■ knife in the back.

Soldiers are “cold-shouldering” the residents, who in turn scowl at anyi one in uniform. . I Those Egyptians who want to be ] friendly have been terrorised by an organised campaign threatening to cut the throats of anyone co-operating. The British commander. LieutenantGeneral Sir Hugh Stockwell, is prepared to put some shops in bounds provided a shopkeeper •is willing to show a notice, “troops will be served ” So far hone has offered.

The Afmy has issued a security order telling the troops they must carry weapons at all times, never move singly in the Arab town day or night, and never travel alone on foot or in a vehicle in any part of the city after dusk.