THE CRISIS IN EGYPT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19891, 9 March 1928, Page 8

THE CRISIS IN EGYPT.

However regrettable the necessity to abandon hope of a satisfactory treaty with Egypt, there is full justification for the British Note withdrawing the offer and reverting to the position created by the declaration of 1922. This does not mean the abrogation of Egypt's independence, but the limiting of it in accordance with the conditions then attached to the new status. No other alternative has been possible, for the rejection of the draft treaty has been so uncompromising that further negotiation is foreclosed. Nothing but the complete evacuation of Britain's forces is acceptable to the party now dominant in Egypt, and this is an unthinkable step in view of the international menace that would be created by it. It may be that wiser counsels will yet prevail among those dominating the political situation there, for the draft treaty had the approval of King Fuad and Sarwat Pasha, then his Prime Minister. Egypt had much to gain from it. short of the absolute status the extremists have desired, and there may arise a strong party favouring compromise in the terms of the offer now rejected. But until this happens the decision of the British Government ought to stand. It will have the endorsement of all the Powers concerned.