REFORM IN EGYPT

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 126, 21 February 1921, Page 5

REFORM IN EGYPT

MILNER MISSION’S REPORT

“SELF-GOVERNMENT CANNOT BE POSTPONED ”

IMMEDIATE NEGOTIATION OF TREATY RECOMMENDED

By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright (Rec. February 20, 5.5 p.m.) London, February 18.

The report of the Milner Mission to Egypt has been issued. It states that when the members of the mission arrived in Egypt they found the people everywhere determined for complete independence. The enunciation of President Wilson’s Fourteen Points aroused widespread expectations, and the promise of self-determination to other Eastern peoples added to the discontent. A large number of experienced British officials lost to the service through tho war had been replaced by new men who knew little of traditional system whereby in Lord Cromer’s Say .British control had been maintained without wounding the susceptibilities of the people. The administration during the war necessarily entailed certain subordination of Egyptian, to British interests and the employment of rough-and-ready methods likely to be resented by people whose sympathies were not actively engaged on our side. Martial law had become necessary. The administration had been carreid on in the teeth ofunfversal opposition. The word "protectorate” had become tho symbol of servitude. Argument on this point was wholly useless. it became evident that unless wo got on new ground settlement would be impossible. The Mission formed the opinion that the fulfilment of Britain’s promise of self-government to Egypt cannot be postponed. The spirit of Egyptian nationalism cannot lie extinguished, but there are formidable difficulties in the way of any sudden or complete transfer. All the powers of government, essential to British interests, as well as the safety of the large number of foreign, residents, must be maintained;' also, independent Egypt shall not pursue a foreign policy hostile to that of the British Empire. The capitulations also imposed crippling restrictions, and without their removal no Egyptian Government could enjoy real independence. The mixed tribunals must be reorganised, therefore any treaty be.tween Britain and Egypt should give tho former tho right to intervene. Legislation affecting foreigners now protected by tho capitulations must be the subject of these safeguards. There should be a restoration of government in Egypt by the Egyptians, which the Mission 'believes can be done with a good prospect of success. The Mission recommends tho immediate negotiation of a treaty.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.. REPORT’S MIXED RECEPTION COMMENTS OF THE PRESS. (Rec. February 20, 5.5 p.m.) London, February 19. The Egyptian report meets with a mixed reception. The “Daily News” says that since the grant of freedom to South Africa there has been no more encouraging evidence of the ultimate sanity and sagacity of British statesmanship as the fascinating story of the Milner Mission, and contrasts its verdict with the treatment of Ireland’s demands for freedom .

The “Daily Chronicle” says: "Lord Milner’s proposals aro generous without being dangerous. They are conceived in. a liberal and practical spirit, and will form a valuable basis for the forthcoming negotiations with the Egyptian Government.”

The "Morning Post" says: "Tho disagreeable truth is that if the British protectorate were withdrawn Egypt would speedily return to the condition of slavery, insolvency, and misery from idbicK British administration, British haid work, and British self-sacrifice have been steadily delivering the population fSf "forty years. It is highly improper that a scheme fraught with consequences affecting the whole Empire should have been formulated without the self-govern-ing Dominions being represented on the AJflner Mission.” The "Daily Express” states: Air. Churchiii, hacked by a solid phalanx of Yjrics, opposed the Alilner scheme, which is not acceptable to the majority of the Cabinet, and is doomed to failure.” The paper adds that Mr. Churchill will visit H"vpl and Palestine in March, and will draw attention to Air. Lloyd Georges speech at the opening of Parliament, in whicn he stated that the Government was not prepared to disclose its attitude towards the Mission’s recommendations unffl it had conferred with the Egyptian Ministers. Mr. Churchill would like a[so consult the Dominions before coming to a Heclsioii. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.