EGYPT AND THE SUDAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22499, 17 August 1936, Page 8

EGYPT AND THE SUDAN

f A's wag to be expected, the question of the Sudan is one of the points reserved by Britain to her own discretion in the draft treaty with Egypt. At the same time some concessions are to be made to the Egyptian demand for a share in the administration of a territory that in theory is controlled jointly from London and Cairo. The most important of these is that Egyptian troops will again take part in the defence of the Sudan. It would seem, therefore, that the position existing prior to 1924 will be restored, more or less. In the post-war years Egyptian officials and army officers in the Sudan stirred up a nationalist movement among the native population, particularly the more susceptible townsmen. A difficult position was created and became intolerable after Sir Lee Stack, governor-general and sirdar of the Sudan, succumbed on November 20, 192-1, to a murderous attack made on him in the streets of Cairo. The Egyptian officers and troops were ejected from the Sudan, a new native defence force being formed owning allegiance to the British governor-general alone. Only the theory of condominium remained. It is now to be given some substance by the sharing of defence with Egyptian troops and apparently by admitting some Egyptians to posts in the public service. Britain will retain effective control, a responsibility she has discharged with conspicuous benefit to the Sudanese since, in 1899, she claimed the dominant position "by right of conquest." On the other hand the Egyptian record in the Sudan is not a proud one. She is there only on sufferance; her presence has contributed nothing to the country and is resented by the Sudanese. Britain has, however, upheld the Egyptian position because she recognises Egypt's vital interest in the waters of the Upper Nile.