EGYPT RESTIVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18707, 13 May 1924, Page 8

EGYPT RESTIVE

- The outburst in the Egyptian Parliament of a demand' for " com-* plete independence may have a serious . sequel. When, in February of 1922, the British protectorate over Egypt. was declared to be terminated and Egypt to be "an independent sovereign State," there were explicit reservations. In regard to four subjects the status quo was ," in • all matters to v remain intact." They were " absolutely ! reserved to the discretion of His Majesty's .Government," until such time as it might be possible " by free discussion and friendly accommodation on both sides to conclude agreements in regard thereto between 1 His Majesty's Government and the Government of Egypt." The four subjects so reserved were(l) the security/ of the : communications of the British Empire in Egypt, (2) the defence of Egypt against all foreign aggression, direct or indirect, (3) the protection of foreign interests in Egypt and the protection of minorities, and (4) the Sudan. There was no urgency for their consideration. The attention of the new Parliament would be, it was thought, absorbed by pressing domestic problems; and it was not deemed likely that there would be any effective wish to raise the questions reserved. But this was to reckon without the inflammatory influence of Zaghlul Pasha, who controlled the elections to Egypt's first Parliament and established himself at the head of the dominant Nationalist party, first as its unofficial genius and afterwards as Prime Minister. The issues he has raised cannot be settled without critical review of the relations of Britain and Egypt. British troops remain in Egypt in order to safeguard the Suez Canal, British influence prevents, in the ; interests of the Sudanese, Egypt's assumption of power over the Sudan. Egypt has really nothing to fear from that influence .on the score of losing .the ample supply of Nile water essential to agriculture; . and, as for the Sudanese, their full legal independence would expose them to Egyptian oppression. For some time the vernacular . press of Egypt has been fomenting anti-British feeling but it was hoped that Parliament might . not be openly disaffected. The precipitation of trouble in the Chamber of Deputies by Zaghlul's incendiary speech gives Egyptian restlessness a dangerous focus. It takes two to make a quarrel; but Britain cannot concede the demands so rashly announced. • ; '