EGYPT PLEASED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22318, 1 May 1947, Page 5

EGYPT PLEASED

BRITISH WITHDRAWAL RESTAURANTS’ LOSSES ANTI-FOREIGN AGITATION (9 a.m.) LONDON, April 30. The Times' correspondent in Cairo says it is now a month since the last British troops evacuated the Nile Delta, and some results are already noticeable. The predominant feeling is satisfaction at the departure of foreign uniforms. especially from the symbolic Kasr-el-barracks in the heart of Cairo. The security authorities naturally are relieved at the disappearance of the risks of clashes arising from motor transport accidents and incidents in bars, even with the best behaved troops. Some Egyptians believe the evacuation was the fulfilment of the promise. Others claim it was forced on the British who, therefore, are entitled to no credit. Such regret as exists among Egyptians at the British withdrawal is confined i*a those who have lost their employment, perhaps 250,000 labourers or artisans and their dependants. Famous Bazaar Deserted. Many small restaurants and bars which sold eggs, chips and beer —and often less salubrious drinks—to the troops have closed and shopkeepers in the famous Muski Bazaar, once thronged with soldiers and their families, are as idle as the guides and camelmcn at the Sphinx and Pyramids. Agitation against the employment of foreigners is fairly strong and many Europeans believe that legislation which is now before the Egyptian Parliament will make it difficult for nonEgyptians to earn a livelihood in Egypt. Others point out that such laws exist in other countries and that should they prove injurious to Egyptian interests they will probably be modified. Many Egyptians know that in certain fields they still lack experience and specialised knowledge and are not eager to cut off their nose to spite their face. The pull is now between common sense and nationalism and between realism and exultation at the termination of 65 years of occupation. Nationalism at the moment is" at the wicket, but common sense will eventually have its innnigs.