The Hawera Star. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1924. THE EGYPTIAN TROUBLE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 10 December 1924, Page 6

The Hawera Star.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1924. THE EGYPTIAN TROUBLE.

Delivered every evening by 3 o'clock in Hawera Manaia, Normanby, Okaiawa, Eltbam, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Opunake, Otakelio, Manutahi, Alton, Jlurleyville, Patea, Waverlay, Mokoia, Wbakamara, Ohangai, Mere-mere, Fraser Road, and Ararata.

It is clear from the news received during the last few days that the trouble made by the Egyptian Nationalists has not ended, and that beneath the comparative calm restored by Britain’s prompt action when the Sirdar was assassinated there exists serious bitterness which seeks the blood of British Cabinet Ministers and, leaders. In London many Egyptians are being carefully watched by Scotland Yard, and people whose lives are m danger have been provided with special protection. The situation in Egypt must bo regarded as far from healthy, and the future is disconcerting. In Egypt there are many currents, which mainly run underground, and in the Nationalist movement extremists find a. fertile field for mischief. The striking down of the Sirdar was an act of madness, for it immediately brought- Egyptian Nationalism face to face with British power and prestige, and whatever hope the Nationalist party may have h'd of complete British military evacuation of Egypt their prospects have been ruined. Some people who have not studied the very difficult problems of the East may wonder why Britain worries so much over trying to control and lead . Egypt, and they cannot. perhaps, see why our nation should not evacuate the country and leave the Egyptians to govern themselves. The reason is, of course, that Egypt, India, and other countries in the East are incapable of trove ruing themselves, and as recent history shows it is very questionable whether measures of self-government which have been extended to them

are proving successful and beneficial. Zaghlul’s Government was unable to restrain the extremists in the Nationalist Party, and the result was the murder of the Sirdar. No doubt Zaghlul’s expressions of sorrow at the assassination were sincere, and he was net responsible for it, but he failed to keep control of the rank and file, and the result is the disquieting situation that exists at present. Egypt has benefited enormously under British control, and the prospects were that, if peace and quietness continued, progress in production would have been rapid. But the' extremists do not look at these facts, and prefer' to follow their policy of destruction and anarchy. The warning sent to England by Lord Allenby has arrived in time to enable the guardians of the State to take action to defeat the plots which are reported to be in readiness, and we hope that' Nihilist attempts will be frustrated. One of the greatest dangers is that any measure of success by the Egyptian Nationalists might easily lead" to a widespread upheaval extending to and including India, where considerable discontent and dangerous possibilities necessitate careful handling. It is to be hoped that the change of Cabinet in Egypt (the new* Premier is reported to be a moderate) and the swift action taken by Britain immediately the Cairo outrage occurred w’i’ll lead to the stamping out of the plots against Britain, which have apparently been in preparation for some time past. A rounding up of the dangerous Egyptian elements may be expected, and no doubt before “long we shall receive news of the arrest and punishment of the leading conspirators. Latest news indicates that the new Premier is endeavouring to put a stop to the activities of the extremists, but the Daily Mail thinks that the real test has still to come.