EGYPT GIVES IN.

Grey River Argus, 18 June 1927, Page 5

EGYPT GIVES IN.

TO BRITISH DEMANDS. Climb Down Admitted. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) (Received June 17 at 5.5 p.m.) CAIRO, June 16. Sarwat Pasha, Premier of Egypt made a statement to a crowded Cham-., ber ou the question of the control of the Egyptian Army. He said he regretted there an au Anglo-Egyptian misunderstanding, which resulted in Britain presenting a Note containing demands in connection with the army, the frontiers and the administration, at the same time expressing a desire for a continuance of a friendly understanding, and inviting Egypt to negotiate with a view to defining preliminary measures of co-operation. Sarwat Pasha added that the British Note had further suggested an interim agreement, pending a preliminary agreement, but the Government of Egypt, after careful consideration, had decided that the British demands, as a whole, diminished Egypt’s sovereign rights, and her parliamentary authority, and also infringed her constitutional law. Therefore, Egypt had. been unable to accept the demands as submitted.

Sarwat Pasha, added that Egypt, nevertheless, wished to end the mis understanding, and so the Government had decided to accept the British demands, believing that they were in accordance with the army’s interests, and would lead to good administration. Therefore, the army frontiers would remain as at present, while the War Minister’s authority and responsibili ty to Parliament would be safeguarded, although they were meeting Britain’s demands.

After paying a tribute to Lord Llovd’s friendliness, Sarwat Pasha concluded by saying he was unable to give any further information, pending the publication of the Notes. The Nationalists immediately raised a heated protest. Abdul Hamid declared the Government was whittling away the country’s rights, and he insisted on the whole matter being submitted to the Chamber forthwith.

Zaghlul Pasha energetically intervened, ending the discussion.