IS WAR PENDING ?

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 24 November 1924, Page 5

IS WAR PENDING ?

BRITISH LION AROUSED.

MURDER OF THE SIRDAR. EXTREME MEASURES. [The murder of the Sirdar of Egypt may have very far-reaching sequences, and, in fact, may cipitate war. When it is considered that Egypt is the gateway to India the results which may accrue are

almost too terrible to contemplate.] BY CABLE— PE,ksS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT (Received Nov. 24. 9.45 a.m.) ti ' c i LONDON, Nov. 23. The Sunday Express says the assassination of the 'Sirdar crystallised a S 1 ri . s L 1 . s Av hicli has long been foreseen. Bntisliers have shown the world that it will be with extreme reluctance that they relinquish the hope that Egyptian statesmanship will prevail against fanaticism. If Zaglilul does not yield i e . will liave thrown away the last faint chance of prolonging the illstarred experiment inaugurated in The British people have known that Egypt is the vital link between -England and India, and they resolved to strengthen it and keep it strong. The Sunday News says that Britain’s record in Egypt, which has been lifted from abject poverty to comparative prosperity, is warrant enough for insistence upon a complete change of the spirit and temper of the Egyptian Government’s policy.

(Received Nov. 24, 10.55 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 23. Mr Baldwin was absent, and Mr Austen Chamberlain presided at a meeting of Cabinet which was. held at the Foreign Office.

The Sunday Times’ political correspondent stresses that there is no intention to take any step Which would infringe the liberties of the Egyptian people or revoke the independence already gained, but the Sudan is in a different category. (Received Nov. 24, 11.25 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 23. The Note to Egypt was issued for publication sooner than was expected. The Sunday newspapers stress its sternness and the time limit. The Observer says it cannot be said that either the penalty or the precautions are excessive, whether judged by diplomatic precedent or practical necessities. Tlie honour of the Empire certainly will not tolerate murderous attempts on the lives of those who bear its responsibilities overseas.

The murder of the Sirdar precipitated certain measures' which would have had to be taken sooner or later, but which were delayed in expectation of a settlement in a friendly spirit. That hope has momentarily gone, and the British Government has decided to act accordingly.

The -Times learns that- Cabinet- unexpectedly met again. ' Received Nov. 24, 11.55 a.m. CAIRO, Nov. 24. The British Note created a tremendous sensation. The Chamber held a prolonged sitting, awaiting Zaghlul, who eventually made a statement to the effect that Cabinet proposed to accept the demand for payment of a half a million as compensation, not as an indemnity.

Cabinet agreed to arrest and punish the criminals.

Other demands were rejected. The Chamber endorsed the decisions, and thereafter sat secretly, after which they passed a vote of confidence in Zaghlul.

LONDON, Nov. 23. Official. —Tlie Egyptian indemnity will be devoted to benevolent objects in the Sudan after compensation to the victims of the outrage.

TRANSFER OF THE FLEET,

LONDON, Nov. 22. An emergency meeting of Cabinet considered the grave situation created by the assassination of Sir Lee Stack (Governor-General of the Soudan and Sirdar of Egypt). The Government, in entering a protest, will call for a cessation of anti-British propaganda with reference to the sovereignty of the Soudan, whether encouraged by the Egyptian Government or otherwise.

After the emergency meeting Sir L. Wouthington-Evans (Secretary for War) and Mr. W. O. Bridgenian (First (Lord- of the Admiralty) conferred noth Admiral of the Fleet Earl Beatty, General Cavan and Air ChiefMarshal Trenchard, and for two hours discussed the movement of the Mediterranean Fleet from Malta to Alexandria. It is officially explained that this transfer i« merely seasonal, bgt relief is felt in official circles at its opportuneness in view of the recent happenings in Cairo. The Foreign Office Note to Egypt, couched in the strongest terms, embodies a series of demands relating to points upon which British opinion lias long held that attention by Egypt is overdue.

It is recognised, says ilie Daily Express, that the campaign inspired by the native leaders is partially responsible for the existing state of affains. A firm assurance of its discontinuance will be reuested.

The King telegraphed to. Viscount Allenby (High Commissioner for Egyot) : “Deeply grieved at the death of Sir Lee Stack. I feel bitterly the indignity inflicted on my army by the cruel murder of one of its distinguished officers.”

VIGOROUS' INQUIRY DEMANDED

PROMPT REPLY STIPULATED. * CAIRO, Nov. 22. Viscount Allenby, accompanied by a regiment of cavalry, visited the Premier of Eg jilt (Zaghlul Pasha) and handed him the British Note. Viscount Ajllenby received fche Royal Cavalry salute going and returning, also on entering and leaving the Premier’s office, this incident bringing many spectators to the scene. The Chamber of Deputies was temporarily held up owing to the cavalry having been drawn nn outside Parliament buildings, which is opposite Zaghlul’s office. Bewildered spectators wondered what the cavalry’s presence portended.

The Zaghlulist Pre sis decl ares that there is good reason to believe that th° TTolice will put their hands on the criminals.

The British Note demands the prosecution of an inquiry into the crime with the utmost energy without respect for person and condign punishment. whoever and whatever they are

irrespective; also a proper apology and an indemnity of £500,000; the prohibition of political demonstrations ; and the withdrawal, of Egyptian officers and Egyptian units- from the Soudan. The Note reserves the right of a revision of the conditions governing the retirement of British, officials, reaffirms the British probation of foreign interests, and insists upon the retention of judicial and financial advisers. A reply is demanded within twenty-four hours. FUNERAL OF THE, SIRDAR,. CAIRO. Nov. 22. There were’ unforgettable scenes at the laying to rest of the Sirdar (Sir Lee Stack). There was a magnificent military display, impressive for its solemnity and remarkable for the size and composition of the crowds. It was not only a great public funeral, but a great international funeral. Rarely, if ever, has such a wave of emotion swept the city.