REJECTED DRAFT TREATY.

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

REJECTED DRAFT TREATY.

DETAILS OF PROVISIONS.

MANY CONCESSIONS MADE.

PROPOSALS ABOUT THE ARMY.

By Telegraph—Press Association-—Copyright. (British Official Wireless.) A. and N.Z. RUGBY, March 7. The text of the proposed Auglo-Egyp-tian treaty which was rejected by the Egyptian Cabinet, and the papers relating to its negotiation by the ex-Prime Minister of Egypt, Sarwat Pasha, and the British Foreign Secretary, Sir Austen Chamberlain, have been issued for publication to-morrow morning.

The documents begin with a memorandum written by Sir Austen after his first conversation with Sarwat Pasha in London in July, 1927. The two Ministers reviewed tho relations between Britain and Egypt and a mutual desire was expressed to prepare the way for close co-operation. After that Sarwat Pasha contributed the draft of a treaty, to which a counter-draft approved by the British Government was returned. When Sarwat Pasha left London in November his discussions with sir Austen had practically been completed, but the final approval of the British Government was required for the third draft on which tho two statesmen had agreed. When this approval had been given Sir Austen sent tho text to Lord Lloyd, British High Commissioner in Egypt, with a covering despatch. The latter pointed out that the final draft differed in important respects from the one originally offered to Sarwat Pasha, and embodied large concessions to Sarwat Pasha's own views and to Egyptian sentiment.

Help in the Event of War. Tho following is a. summary of the draft treaty agreed upon by Sir Austen and Sarwat Pasha:—

Article I formally -recorded that an alliance should be established between Britain and Egypt.

Article 2 provided that Egypt should not adopt an attitude incompatible with the alliance or one liable to create difficulties for Britain.

Article 3 set out that if by an act of aggression Egypt became involved in war Britain —subject to the provisions of the Covenant of the League of Nations —would go to her aid as a belligerent. Article 4 provided that Egypt should consult Britain if circumstances arose which were likely to imperil Egypt's good relations with a foreign Power. Article 5 was to tho effect that, in view of the co-operation between the armies of the two countries, as contemplated in Article 3, tho instruction and training of the Egyptians should bo in accordance with British methods; any foreign officers or instructors necessary to be selected from among British subjects. Article 6 provided that if Britain should be menaced by, or engaged in, war Egypt undertook to furnish all the facilities and assistance in her power in Egyptian territory. Retention of British Forces.

Article 7 said Britain would maintain upon Egyptian territory such armed forces as were considered necessary for the defence of Imperial communications; tho presence of these forces not to constitute :n any manner an occupation, and not to prejudice the foreign rights of Egypt; after 10 years tho parties wero to reconsider the question of the localities in which the said forces were to bo stationed and should no agreement be reached tho question might be submitted to the Council of tho League of Nations. Should the decision of the League be adverse to the claims of the Egyptian Government the question could at the request of Egypt be reviewed at intervals of five years from the date of the decision of the League. Article 8 set out that when the Egyptian Government engaged the services oi foreign officials it should give preference to British subjects. Article 9 said Britain would support Egypt in obtaining the consent of tho Powers to a modification of capitulations to meet present conditions. Article 10 provided that Britain should support the request of Egypt for admission to the League of Nations.

Article 11 was to the effect that the British representative in Egypt should be an Ambassador, with precedence over all other foreign representatives. Rights to Remain Unprejudiced.

Article 12 said the right's and obligations devolving upon either party under tho Covenant of the League would not bo prejudiced by the treaty.

Article 13 referred to annexes in which arrangements for carrying out the treaty were set out.

Articlo 14 said the parties agreed that any disagreement on the application or interpretation of tho treaty which could not be settled by direct negotiations should be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Covenant of the League. Annexe 1 elaborated procedure proposed for carrying out Articlo 7. Annexe 2 provided that Egypt should appoint in agreement with the British Government, financial and judicial advisers, the number, status and function of the British officials now engaged in the public security and police services to remain unchanged pending a modification of tho capitulatory system.