EGYPT AND BRITAIN

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 51, 28 August 1940, Page 10

EGYPT AND BRITAIN

; CONFIDENCE IN TREATY

| LOYAL FULFILMENT

;(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.)

CAIRO, August 27.

The British Ambassador to Egypt, Sir Miles Lampson, broadcasting on the anniversary of the signing of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty, said that Britain did not expect Egypt to declare war on Italy, but the independence of Egypt depended entirely on a British victory.

"We are not attempting to drag Egypt into the war," he said. "All we expect is loyal fulfilment of the letter and spirit of her treaty obligations. We for our part are determined loyally to defend our ally.

"You would do well not to forget that Hitler more than once promised Egypt to Italy as her share of the war spoils. The relations between England and Egypt are not those of exploiter and exploited, but of allies. Britain is preparing huge forces, incomparably equipped, with which, when the moment comes, and it is not. so far away, we will launch a great counteroffensive."

Hafez Atifi Pasha, first Egyptian Ambassador to Britain, broadcasting, said that Britain was fighting not only for her great Empire, but also for the cause of liberty, peace, and freedom in all nations. Referring to the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty, he said: "I was fully convinced that it was a good treaty. I am still of this opinion. The treaty contains no pitfalls. If we had not been assured of Britain's help, I believe Egypt would already have been invaded by Italy or some other Power. While it is true that our army is small, we should not hesitate to use it in defence of our country. If we do not, history will record that we fai#3d to defend our national entity and independence." (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, August 26. The fourth anniversary of the AngloEgyptian Treaty of Alliance is made the occasion by "The Times" for a review of the relationship existing today between the two Governments, j a relationship which the newspaper describes as closer than at any time since the outbreak of war. "The hesitation which seemed to mark Egyptian policy during the weeks immediately succeeding the entry of Italy," writes "The Times," "has disappeared. The Egyptian Minister of Defence recently stated that Egyptian mobile troops had taken up positions beside their British allies and that the Egyptian forces in the Sudan would resist an Italian attack. "The Chamber of Deputies passed a unanimous resolution at its secret session last Wedneday to the effect that Egypt would defend herself with all the means at her command if her territories were attacked^ and the resolution was not qualified as Ali Maher Pasha's declaration of June 12 had been by any quibble as to whether an Italian attack might not be 'provoked' by British action."