LAND OF UNCERTAINTY

Evening Post, Issue 50, 27 August 1935, Page 14

LAND OF UNCERTAINTY

POSITION IN EGYPT

A SILENT PREMIER

Not since the days of the late Sarwat Pasha has an Egyptian Premier remained so tantalisingly silent regarding the Government's policy as Tewfik Nessim Pasha is today, "writes an Egyptian correspondent' in the "Manchester Guardian." In spite of countr less political rumours he says' nothing, and' consequently the nation' is- left to speculate on the possible turn of events.

Hopes that the Premier would break this, strange silence were raised recently when Zaki el Ibrashi, Pasha, the Director of the King's estates, was displaced, and it was'rumoured that the King had expressed a desire -for la return of'constitutional government. This, it was, generally thought, would compel the Premier to disclose his political hand, but so far nothing of the kind has materialised.

Meanwhile, however, the Rector of Ali Azhar has been replaced and the long-vacant rectorship of the Egyptian University has been -filled. The first step had long been expected, and was really: the logical outcome of Ibrashi Pasha's removal. For months this great seat of Moslem learning had been in open rebellion against Sheikh Mohamed el Ahmadi el. Zawahiry, the rector!, who was alleged to be a palace favourite, with'the result that studies had to be suspended and the university closed. With Ibrashi Pasha's downfall, however, the'way was cleared for a return of Sheikh cl Maraghi, a brilliant theologian, who previously held the post' but went into retirement some years ago when his plans for a more-m'o"derh..curriculum were rejected

Apart from these'two appointments, however,'.there have been no real developments and no indication of a return of •constitutional- government. But it seems unlikely that Tewfik Nessim Pasha can maintain his pilence much longer. When he took office last November and abolished the constitution of the dictatorial regime it was understood that he would purge, the Administration and then restore constitutional government. He has now completed1 the first part of his programme- with remarkable efficiency, and unless,1 he wants to- incur the displeasure ' of- the nation at large must take some [steps' to carry through the more important constitutional question.

Just why he hesitates to make known his plans is a matter for conjecture. It has been suggested that Britain is still-anxious,-in view, of the uncertain state of the King's health; to have the matter of regency—which figured prominently last.autumn when the King was ill-r-settled in a' satisfactory manner.1 But for the moment the King apparently declines to discuss the subject, on the grounds that'his health has greatly improved and'that consequently the Regency is not an urgent matter. .The failure to effect a settlement may account in part for the Premier's reluctance to act as far, as the Consti-

tution is concerned, but, on the other

hand, people are asking how much longer the Wafd will tolerate his inactivity. "

GROWING TIRED. ,

, It,is obvious that atfteast part of the Wafd are growing tired of waiting, for since the rumour was circulated that,-the. King himself had asked for a return of constitutional government a part of the Wafdist Press has allied! itself with the palace organs urging! i the Premier to fulfil his early promise. This has been interpreted to mean that I the Wafd, as a body, are growing tired | of-waiting. It is significant, however, that the organ which, usually represents the views of Nahas Pasha, its leader, still commiserates with the Premier-on -his difficult position. :The Wafd may therefore be said to be divided on the question. For the moment -Nahas Pasha and his immediate followers are opposed to the policy'advocated by some of the Wafd extremists of trying to turn the Premier out of office, but it seems unlikely that they will continue this benevolent attitude much longer.

If, as is strongly rumoured, the Premier takes steps in,the near future to strengthen -his Cabinet by the appointment of prominent politicians his Government cquld.no longer;be considered transitory and Nahas Pasha and , the Waf d would be logically bound to oppose it. Further than this it-would-be unwise, to anticipate, unless' it is- to add-that 'Tewfik. Nessim Pasha,is hardly the man to-battle with the Wafd.- For'the moment he" is playing for safety in silence, but one should not be deceived into believing that he will play a decisive part.'