BRITAIN AND EGYPT

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 127, 2 June 1927, Page 9

BRITAIN AND EGYPT

SAFETY OF THE SUEZ CHAMBERLAIN EXPLAINS (United Press Association.—Copyright.) (A.P.A. and "Sun.") (Received 2nd June, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, Ist June. Sir Austen Chamberlain in the House of Commons, replying to questions, said that for some time tho Egyptian army had attraoted tho attontion of a section of local politicians who were seeking to increase its strength and also convort it into a weapon at tho disposal of only ont party. This vitally concerned Britain in viow of her interest in the dofenco of tho Suez Canal, and hey obligations to protect foreigners. Britain, ho said, could not afford to hnvo her position complicated by the presonco of a. potentially hostilo force. Tho Egyptian War Committee a few days ago recommended to tho Deputies an irioroaso in tho strongtb and armament of tho infantry and artillery, and tho oftncollation of tho Sirdar's Budgotary credit. The effoet of the latter would bo to bring tho British Inspee-tor-Gonoral and Commander-in-Chief under tho Egyptian Ministry, with the result that tho ruling party would bo able to exorciso unchecked power over tho army. The High-Commissioner, after consultation with tho British Government, sent a Note to the Egyptian Government sotting out the British viewpoint on the whole question, which was that it should properly be the subject of an agreed settlement in the best interests of Britain and Egypt. The Note offered to negotiate till such agreement was reached, provided that the present safeguards in the meantime were continued. FOMENTING TROUBLE. Efforts in the meanwhile 1 had been made to foment political excitement such as led to the serious excesses in Alexandria in 1921, and three warships had been sent to Egypt in the belief that their presence would restrain the disorderly elements which were the chief danger to the Jives and interests of foreigners. Conversations between Lord Lloyd and the Egyptian Government were proceeding, and it was therefore undesirable that he should be pressed to make a further statement. Mr. J. R. Clynes (Lab.) asked if the papers would be tabled and discussion permitted. , ■Sir Austen Chamberlain said that he would have liked to communicate the text of the Note,, though it would be more courteous to leave the Egyptian Government time to consider it before publication. He would table the papers and allow discussion at the proper time.