MOMENTARY HALT

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 25 November 1924, Page 5

MOMENTARY HALT

MURDER OP THE SIRDAR. BRITAIN’S DEMANDS. * INDEMNITY PAID. ZAGHLUL’S CABINET. REPLACED BY MODERATES. [The position in Egypt has been now eased considerably as a result of the resignation of the Zaghlul Cabinet and its replacement by a moderate Ministry. The indemnity of half a million has been paid by the Egyptian Government in respect to the death of the Sirdar. This change of control, while it indicates a temporary ‘ * climbdown, ’ ’ does, not necessarily mean that war has been definitely averted.] BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT (Received Nov. 25, 11.55 a.m.) CAIRO, Nov. 24. The Zaghlul Cabinet has resigned. Zirwar Pasha, President of the Senate, is forming a Cabinet. The indemnity has been paid, accompanied by a Note protesting against the demands for the withdrawal of the Egyptian troops froift the Sudan, and the withdrawal of opposition to the wishes of the British Government in. regard to the protection of foreign interests in Egypt, which are characterised as unjustifiable. Events have succeeded events with such dramatic rapidity that it has been difficult to grasp one situation before another arises, j?.ut the Zaghlul Cabinet’s resignation and Zirwar’s acceptance of the Premiership semes to have brought successive sensations to' a momentary halt, probably producing a new political outlook, and obviating the necessity for further British measures. r Zirwar is moderate minde*d and universally liked. "He has been Minister in many Cabinets and Minister at Rome, and is busily forming a Cabinet, tvhich will probably be completed today, when the present tense situation will undoubtedly be eased. FRANCE’S POSITION. STRICT NEUTRALITY. Received Nov. 24, 11.50 a.m. PARIS, Nov. 24. The Foreign Office intimates that France, in view of the Anglo-French Treaty of 1904 respecting Morocco and *'gypV maintains strict neutrality in any Anglo-Egyptian conflict. ■ "v/.:/ LONDON,' Nov. 23. An officially inspired statement issued to-night, in explaining Britain’s demands, says; “The Government feels that it has been too optimistic about Egypt’s ability to govern herself, and the present .steps have been taken without revoking the declaration of Egypt’s independence or the Sudan condominium agreement.” i Rgarding ' .the two important demands of the British Note, it is pointed out, firstly, that the retention of the British judicial and financial advisers relates to three officials, whose powers were encroached upon under Zaghlul Pasha’s regime; secondly, unlimited irrigation of the Sudan, in which connection it is recalled an extensive' scheme for irrigation at Geozira for the purpose of cotton growing tp assist the Sudan Government was voluntarily curtailed to 300,000 feddans, by viscount Allenby (High Commissioner of Egypt) in order to placate the Egyptians, who feared the damming of the Upper Nile would curtail their supplies. An 'authoritative statement of the British viewpoint declares that nothing in the. present Note will diminish, the Egyptian water supply. RECEPTION OF NOTE. * CAIRO, Nov. 23. Lady Drummond Hay, the Daily Express correspondent at Cairo, attended Parliament House. She says the Premier (Zaghlul Pasha) appeared fatigued but calm. His preliminary speech was moderate, but the reading of the Egyptian reply provoked immense enthusiasm among the delegates. Speaking at a secret session, Zaghlul complained that Viscount Allenby slighted him, by unceremoniously entering his office, and rapping out: “Do you understand English?” Zaghlul answered: “No.” “Nevermind,” replied Viscount Allenby, who then read the ultimiatum in English, leaving Zaghlul to surmise its purport until a copy in French was handed to him. Viscount Allenby then left-. The Cairo correspondent of the Daily Chronicle says the terms of the ultimatum created a tremendous sensation. Something stiff was expected, but tbis 'bombshell was infinitely sterner than 'anybody anticipated, and no one believed it possible that Zaghlul would accept. The British authorities have come to important decisions regarding the immediate strengthening of the British forces in Egypt. The diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Chronicle says the garrison in the Sudan is about 2000 Egyptians to 11,000 Sudanese. When Egypt declared its independence in 1922 Britain notified the Powers that any interference in Egyptian affairs would be regarded as ail unfriendly act, so no one is likely to talc© up the matter. If the question is raised the council of the League of Nations will probably ask the permanent Court of Justice to decide whether;the British action comes under the category of its internal jurisdiction. ’ ATTITUDE OF LABOUR. SECTION. LONDON, Nov. 24. The South London Federation of the Independent Labour Party passed a resolution in favour of the League of Nations immediately investigating and reporting on the Egyptian question. “Meanwhile,” runs.the resolution, “we protest against the ultimatum ae a grave menace to peace, and recommend the acceptance of the terms agreed to by the Egyptian Government as the basis of a settlement.” FRENCH VIEW. PARIS Nov, 23. All the newspapers recognise the gravity of the Egyptian crisis. Le Temps says: “Even admitting that Britain’s military movements are only meant to intimidate Egypt, it must be recognised that there are other ways of doing things. The English way on this occasion is not the best way to facilitate a peaceful settlement. Bri-

tain’s detailed demands seem to confirm the impression that it is a question of an indirect and disguised return to British domination of Egypt, like that prior to the abolition of the protectorate.” The Gaulois foresees a general rising of Moslems, which will he bad for France and Britain and will possibly lead to an upheaval in Syria, Morocco, and all Africa. The newspaper urges Franco-British pourparlers with a view to joint action. BRITISH IN OCCUPATION. LONDON. Nov. 24. British rtooips are occupying the Customs at Alexandria. - %