THE SUDAN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19261, 27 August 1924, Page 5

THE SUDAN.

BRITISH HOLD TO BE MAINTAINED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON. July 14. Labour contributions to the debate on the Sudan in the House of Commons were in marked contrast with the speeches that members of the Government party used to make. Mr Ramsay MacDonald was lajrt year insisting on inquiry into “sinister” exploitation of the natives. He wants no inquiry now; and there seems to be nothing sinister. Indeed, he warmly eulogised the British administrators in the Sudan and said in effect that things are going well there and that we need only keep moving in the same direction. And —though “in no spirit of aggression or acquisition” —he is all for maintaining the British occupation. “It must be clearly understood,” ho said, “that Great Britain cannot throw off its responsibilities contracted to the Sudan and the Sudanese by withdrawing and handing the government of that country over to anv other Government.” Uappy in having disposed of the report on his trip to Paris, ho was in benign mood. Not only is the fcudan all right, but. things will be well with Egypt also if only Zaghul Pasha (who is coming to Ikuidon) is reasonable, and will be ready to come to the new understanding made necessary by recognition of Egyptian independence. No Egyptian interest will suffer, he said; and in particular the water supply will bo completely safeguarded. But there was a note of warning; the period of negotiations must not 1m used for upsetting “the status quo in the Sudan. And ho inssited on direct negotiations with Egypt, refusing any reference to the League of Nations.