TREMENDOUS SENSATION CREATED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 25 November 1924, Page 5

TREMENDOUS SENSATION CREATED

BY TERMS OF ULTIMATUM STRENGTHENING OF BRITISH FORCES (By Electric Telegranh.--OopyTigtit.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association) LONDON, Nov. 24. The Daily Chronicle’s Cairo correspondent" says the terms of the ultimatum created "a. tremendous sensation. Something stiff was expected bub this bomb - ! shell was infinitely sterner than anybody; anticipated. No one believed it possible that Zaghlul would accept the terms. The British have come to important decisions regarding the immediate strengthening of British forces in Egypt. TheJ Daily Chronicle’s diplomatic correspondent says that the garrison in the Sudan is about 2000 British, 2000 Egyptians, and 11,000 Sudanese. "When Egypt declared independence in 1922, Britain notified the powers that any interference in Egyptian affairs would be regarded as an unfriendly act, so no one is >'likely to take up tne matter if ,the question' is raised. The Council of League of Nations will probably ask the „ permanent- Court of' justice to. decide whether the British action comes under ■the category of internal jurisdiction.. EXPLANATION OF BRITISH DEMANDS '. LONDON, Nov. 23. : An officiallv inspired statement was issued to-night explaining Britain’s demands. Itr says the Government feels that it has been too optimistic about Egypt’s ability to govern herself. The present steps have been taken without revoking thedeclaration of Egypt’s independence or the Sudan condominion agreement. HOW THE ULTIMATUM WAS PRESENTED <. . * ZAGHLUL COMPLAINS 7 : LONDON, Nov. 24. Lady Drummond Hay, the JDaily Express correspondent at Cairo, attended Parliament House. She says that Zaghlul appeared fatigued, but calm. His preliminary speech was moderate. The reading of the Egyptian repty+- provoked immense enthusiasm among the delegates. Speaking of a secret session Zaghlul' complained that Lord Allenby slighted him by unceremoniously entering‘his office and rapping out “Do you understand English ?” ZaghluW answered. “No.” “Never mind,” replied Lord Allenby,- who'then read the ultimatum in English, leaving Zaghlul to surmise the purport until a copy in French was handed to him. Lord Allenby then left. AT ALEXANDRIA BRITISH TROOPS OCCUPYING CUSTOMS . LONDON, Nov. 24. British troops are occupying the Customs rat,'Alexandria. LABOUR PROTEST LONDON, Nov. 24. The South London Federation of the Independent Labour Party passed a 'resolution in favour of tiro League of Nations, immediately investigating and reporting on the Egyptian question. “Meanwhile we protest against- the ultimatum as a grave menace to peace, and recommend acceptance of the terms agreed to by the Egyptian Government as a basis of settlement.” FRENCH COMMENT PARIS, Nov. 23. Ail the newspapers recognise the gravity of the Egyptian crisis. Le Temps says even admitting 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. Britain’s detailed demands seem to confirm the impression that it is a question an indirect disguised return to British dominion of Egypt, like that'prior to the abolition of tne protectorate. '