BRITAIN FIRM

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 22 November 1924, Page 5

BRITAIN FIRM

THE EGYPTIAN TROUBLE,

ANTI-BRITISH PROPAGANDA

CESSATION DEMANDED,

BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT - (Received Nov. 22, 10.10 a.m.)

LONDON, Nov. 21. An emergency meeting of Cabinet considered the grave situation created by the Egyptian outrage. The Government, in entering a protest, will call for the cessation of anti-British propaganda, with reference to the sovereignty of the Sudan, whether’ encouraged by the Egyptian Government or otherwise.

It is recognised, says the Daily Express, that the campaign was inspired by native leaders, who were partially responsible for the existing state of affairs. A firm assurance of its discontinuance will be requested. LONDON, Nov. 21.

The news of the Sirdar’s death has created a most painful impression, though it was not unexpected, and the sequel undoubtedly intensifies the gravity of'the position. The diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Express says :—“To-day or tomorrow should record the communication to Egypt of the grave view taken by the British Government of the crime and the political circumstances by which it was preceded. The attitude of. the Government is described as one of firmness, combined with dignity. Nothing will be done that might be misconstrued as imperialistic iri policy, although the Egyptian Governmentmay be held to strict accountability for its actions, past and future. - The Daily Teiegrapn, commenting editorially, says: “The fact that Cabinet is considering the matter is satisfactory, but.we should be glad to have ah assurance also that the general question of the grant of European methods of government tc, peoples that aire not ready to receive them was also on the agenda at yesterday's meeting.” The article, in the firmest tone, emphasises that the Egyptian question may become an affair in which the whole Eastern Hemisphere and large interests in America may be involved. “We cannot, as trustees for others, allow the common weal of the Eastern Mediterranean and the right of transit to Asia to be periodically placed in hazard by Egypt’s incapacity to govern herself,’’ the article continues. “Other nations, whose rights we profess to guarantee, ar© justified in expecting us to perform the obligations cf our unwritten trust or allow foreigners to secare the interests of their own nationals.”

The paper also stresses th© point that it must be brought home to the Premier of Egypt (Zaghlul Pasha) that a man in his position must shoulder the inevitable results of’his heated and illconsidered attacks upon those to whom the independence of his ccnntrv is due.

The Times says that neither the Jtgypt-ian Governmen t nor Zaghlul Pasha can be acquitted of moral responsibility for the crime. They deliberately and systematically created the poisonous atmosphere and frame of mind of which violence and murder tie the natural result. HEROISM OF CHAUFFEUR. LONDON, Nov. 21. The story of'the bravery of the Sirdar’s Australian chauffeur (Fred. March) is told by Lady Drummond Hay, the special correspondent of the Daily Express at Cairo. Visiting the Anglo-American hospital, where the Sirdar was lying, the correspondent followed a pleasant English nurse into a. large, blight room furnished in English style, where she was introduced to March, who was lying in bed, and, in spite of his wounds, he was cheerful. Born in Australia, lie travelled to America and Japan, and speaks French and Arabic. He arrived in Egypt in 1915 and went through the Gallipoli fighting, and also served in Palestine and Syria until the armistice. Since- then he has been in Egypt. He owned a garage, but- failed. He then undertook private work. “The ca-r used by the Sidar is mine,” he said. “I had just bought it. It has had a good christening, don’t you think? I hope the Government will repair it and fill up the bullet holes with putty.”

Lady Drummond Hay adds that March was apparently ignorant of the Sirdar’s critical condition in the next room when he spoke. March’s story of the shotting is as follows: “After leaving the War Office I was obliged to drive slowly crossing the tram lines. Suddenly 1 heard a report. I looked to the right and saw just alongside three revolvers pointed at me. There were five men, Effendis, you know the sort, standing right on the edge of the footpath. I immediately changed gear, realising that to get away quickly was the only hope of saving the party. “I imagine seven shots were fired at me, because seven empty cartridge cases were found in my place. They continued firing at the Sirdar and hi's aide, while I drove on to the Residency as fast as I could. Ten shots hit the car. One hit my arm and another the bones in my right leg, causing the greatest' pain. “I lowered my head, determined to avoid the shots at it. because I realised I was responsible for the lives of those behind. How I avoided the traffic 1 don’t know, but instinctively I followed the road to the Residency*. 'v. hen 1 arrived there I was unable to move owing to pain. Subsequently I was carried inside, where 1 was congratulated by ia>id Alleuby (High Commissioner of Egypt), the’ American Minister, and others. Then I was brought here, to, hospital.”