PROBLEM OF EGYPT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLV, Issue 10450, 1 December 1919, Page 7

PROBLEM OF EGYPT

CAUSE OF UNREST POLITICAL EXPLOITATION BY FOREIGNERS. . THE ECONOMIC ASPECT. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copywright Published in "Thsj Times." LONDON, November 25. Lord Curzon, in a, statement in the House of Lords on the situation in _, Egypt, Btiid tho unrest was ally duo to economio causes, especially the high cost of living; but the unrest had been exploited politically _ by foreign Socialists who had taken no small part in fomenting discontent. The Government was domg its utmost to remove legitimate grievances. As the British protectorate was recognised in the Poaco Treaty, any Nationalist expectations were doomed to eomp.eto disappointment. The keynote of Lord Milner's. mission was tho progressive development of self-governing mstitu tions. Whatever form the peace with Turkey took, it would not alter the solution of tho Egyptian problem. The political connection between Turkey and Egypt had ended. Recognition of the British protectorate in Egyptr was an inseparable feature in the Turkish Treaty. *u»t.ralian and N.Z. Cabla Is/sociation. LONDON, November 25. In his speech in the House of Lords Lord Curzon said tho extremists in Egypt had received an impetus from a telegram stating that tho American Senate had decided that Egypt' should bo considered: independent.' Actually, America recognised the British protectorate. The speaker said he could not encourage the idea of complete Egyptian independence, because, in tho first place, Egypt was geographically at tho door of Africa, and ou the highway to India, and, in tliQ. second phico, it it was independent, Egypt could nut stand alono against external aggression, nor guarantee a strong internal Government. There was no intention to crush the Egyptian nationality; on tho contrary, Lord Milner's mission 'was intended to do preliminary work, and .consult tho Egyptians before a, final constitution was determined upon. Lord Curzon said that British guid(vnco was still necessary. Tho Egyptians should not lobk. to Turkey .- for guarantees in tho-future. Tho Peaco Treaty would impose on Turkey tho recognition of tho British protectorate over Egypt. Lord Selborno said, tho whole nation supported the Government'!) intimation to Egypt that Turkey must never again havo a sharQ in tho government of ogypS. SITUATION QUIETER. Fublishcil ii» '-Tho Times." CAIRO, November 28. The situation is quieter. Lord'Alienby, under tho provisions of martial law, has ordered students to return to school, undor pain of exclusion from examinations. Inflammatory documents threaten t>ho paralysis of tho railways, and declare that tho raihvaymen aro armed and intend to kill volunteer workers. A CRISIS FEARED. (Received November 30, 11 p.m.) CAIRO, November 2(3. There wero further disturbances on November 23rd, when a British officer was shot dead in the street* and a soldier wounded. The formation of a, Cabinet is regarded as a hopeful sign, suggesting that tho Egyptians aro resigned to the inevitable. The whole country i quiet, but the authorities do not believe that tho tranquility is genuine. It is feared that tho arrival of the Milner Mission will precipitate a crisis.