EGYPT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18754, 6 January 1923, Page 8

EGYPT.

It is disturbing to read concerning Egypt that “never before has British inability to protect Englishmen been so apparent, with the result that the British prestige is fit its lowest, with ft general growing demand for a radical change affording adequate measures of protection.” The worst of it is that the humiliating reflection embodied in this statement seems to be to a large extent justified. The assassination of Professor, Robson at Cairo is merely the latest of the outrages committed in Egypt against British subjects during the past year. Such is the reward of Great Britain’s demonstration of her sincerity of purpose in the establishment of Egyptian sovereignty and independence. A period of, transition may always be a period of restlessness in any country, yet the Egyptian Government must - itself be fully alive to the fact that the fanatical Anglophobe

element in the community is rendering difficult that British withdrawal which it is itself so anxious to see consummated, and which it is the desire of the British Government to carry into effect. Attempts at intimidation by assassination only suggest that the country is not in a fit state to be left to work out its own destiny. law has been the order of things in the country since 1914, and, as Lord Allenby has pointed out in his proclamation following upon the latest manifestation of anti-British feeling, it cannot be raised linsil the Egyptian Government shows itself capable of establishing tranquillity. There are a number of matters, such as the question of Britain’s communications, the defence of Egypt against foreign aggression, and the protection of foreigners and foreign interests, respecting which a settlement between the British and Egyptian Governments has still to be reached. The question, also, of the future of the Sudan has provided the Cairo press with material out of which to mitke agitation. Doubtless the activities of the Angora Turks have served to give increased stimulus to those of the intransigeant elements ' in Egypt. In the opinion of the Manchester Guardian, “the first condition of an Egyptian settlement is the release of the Zaghlulists and the ending of martial law.” Perhaps, the deportation of Zaghlnl Pasha has after all been productive of more harm tha'n pood. It is to be remembered that in July last the British Government warned the Egyptian Government with reference to its failure to punish criminals guilty of outrages, that it might even be compelled to reconsider its attitude towards Egypt. The position seems to be just as unfortunate to-day.