EGYPT’S STATUS.

Evening Star, Issue 22327, 1 May 1936, Page 8

EGYPT’S STATUS.

Kino Fuad, who died this week, wielded a dominating influence in the affairs of Egypt. He was almost a dictator, for when the extreme political elements got out of hand he suspended the Constitution and restored it when he considered the time opportune. A man of parts, he was distinguished for his efforts in the cause of education and for progress generally, in contrast to the ideas of the Wafd, a rabid Nationalist organisation, he recognised the enormous benefits that bad accrued to the people from the association of Britain with the country. Jn 1922, on the abolition of the protectorate and the recognition of Egypt as an independent sovereign State, he proclaimed himself King, and in the following year he granted the present Constitution, thereby surrendering, for the benefit of his people, most of tho prerogatives, which, like all his predecessors, he had enjoyed as an autocratic ruler. It is unfortunate that the hand of King Fuad should have been removed while negotiations are in progress for an Anglo-Egyptian Treaty, the aim of which is permanently to settle the problem of Great Britain’s status in Egypt and the Sudan. The new king is only a youth of sixteen, so that the onus of effecting a settlement will rest on the political leaders. When the British Protectorate terminated certain points were reserved for future consideration. These related to the defence of the country, which remains under British control, the government of the Sudan, the protection of minorities, and the security of the Suez Canal. It is m efforts to have these conditions removed that iso much political unrest in Egypt has developed, with outbreaks of rioting from time to time. As in the case of India, successive British Governments have shown a desire to allow Egypt the fullest liberty of action consistent with the internal order of the country and safety from outside aggression. The chief difficulty in abandoning the reserved points is that the vast majority of the people of Egypt are illiterate, and are easily swayed by the extreme Nationalist element, the leaders of which have not yet displayed ability to govern according to modern constitutional ideas. Security and orderly government was tho aim of Britain in reserving the points mentioned, and until those are assured they are not likely to be withdrawn. The prospects of a treaty are obviously affected by tho change in the Mediterranean situation and Italy’s campaign in Abyssinia. Had the international atmosphere remained calm, with League principles in the ascendant, and all nations exhibiting a willingness to abide by them, the Egyptians obviously would have had a chance of obtaining concessions. Jn the light of Italy’s operations in Ethiopia and the penetration of Italian troops to the region of the head waters of the Nile, it would be useless to expect that Britain would consent to conditions that would weaken her strategically in what is regarded as a key position. The inviolability of the canal must be maintained. Britain has immense interests in Egypt and the Sudan, and they are wrapped up in the welfare of the people of these two countries. Therefore, no matter how strong the desire to meet the wisiies of the Egyptians, it is hardly likely that the defence of that country and of the Sudan and tho security of 'the canal zone will be handed over to a Government which possesses defence forces that would be totally inadequate to meet any serious emergency that might arise. Jt has been declared that the , sympathies of the Egyptians are with the Abyssinians in the present crisis. In the circumstances, therefore, it would be highly inconsistent for the Wald to continue to press for measures that would weaken the security of Egypt.