BRITAIN BARS THE WAY

Evening Star, Issue 23666, 28 August 1940, Page 8

BRITAIN BARS THE WAY

AXIS DESIGNS ON EGYPT PROMISED TO ITALY AS BOOTY Pres* Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, August 27. The British Ambassador to Egypt, Sir Miles Lampson, broadcasting on the anniversary of the signing of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty, said: 11 Britain does not expect Egypt t« declare war on Italy, but the independence of Egypt depends entirely on a British victory. We are not attempting to drag Egypt into the war. All we expect is loyal fulfilment of the letter and spirit of her treaty obligations; and we for our part are determined loyally to defend our ally. 11 You would do well not to forget that Hitler more than once promised Egypt to Italy as her share of war spoils. The relations between England and Egypt are not those of exploiter and exploited, but allies. Britain is preparing ' huge forces, incomparably equipped, with which, when the moment comes, and it is not so far away, it will launch a great counteroffensive.” Hafez Atifi Pasha, the first Egyptian Ambassador to Britain, - broadcasting, said: " Britain is fighting not only for her great Empire, but also for the cause of liberty,‘peace, and freedom of all nations.” Referring to the Anglo-Egyptian treaty, he said: “ I was fully convinced it was a good treaty, and I am still of this opinion. The treaty contains no pitfalls. Jf 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 r»cord that we failed to defend our national entity and independence.” '

EGYPTIAN POLICY HARDENS

RANGED FIRMLY WITH BRITAIN (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, August 26. The fourth anniversary of the AngloEgyptian Treaty was made an occasion by * The Times ’ for a review of the relationship existing to-day between the two Governments —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 Egyptian forces in the Sudan would resist an Italian attack. The Chamber of Deputies passed a unanimous resolution at its secret session last Wednesday 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 concerning whether an Italian attack might not be provoked by the British action. The new Prime Minister, Hassan Sabry Pasha, made it clear that his country will fulfil its engagements under the treaty in the spirit and the letter, and had entirely satisfied the British High Command in the Middle East that Egypt will cooperate actively in defence of the Nile Valley.

“ On the economic side, our purchase of the entire Egyptian cotton crop has rendered our ally a service which the Egyptian Press warmly appreciates. On the political side, the aims of the new Roman imperialism in Africa are understood and detested. Italian propaganda, after causing acme temporary mental confusion in restricted quarters, proved an expensive failure, and the Arab world, of which Egypt is the cultural centre, is too well acquainted with Italian methods of pacification in Libya to be even amused by the Duce’s claim to be, like the ex-Kaiser, the protector of Islam. The defensive alliance between Britain and Egypt stands firm.’’ CABINET RESIGNS PREMIER FORMING NEW MINISTRY CAIRO, August 27. Sasean Sabry tendered the resignation of the Cabinet to the King, who requested him to form a new Ministry. QUESTION OF INTERNAL POLICY CAIRO, August 27. (Received August 28, at 10 a.m.) Hassan Sabry’s resignation concerned a question of internal policy. STILL HOLDING OFFICE PRESS TOLD NOT TO ANTICIPATE EVENTS CAIRO, August 27. (Received August 28, at 12.30 p.m.) Despite the earlier announcement of the resignation, Hassan Sabry told newspapermen that his Cabinet was still holding office. “ There is no change,” he said. “ I did not go to the palace in that connection. I have told the Press not to anticipate events.”-

ITALIAN THREATS MORE DRAMATIC UTTERANCES ROME, August 27. (Received August 28, at 1 p.m.) 'll Telegrapho ’ says: “ Graziani’s sword is the only means whereby we can solve the Egyptian problem. Italy faces a tragic and grotesque political paradox. The Egyptians are our friends, yet extend hospitality to our British foes. Friendship with the Egyptians and a threat from their territory is incomprehensible to us.”-