BRITAIN AND EGYPT

Otago Witness, Issue 3870, 15 May 1928, Page 38

BRITAIN AND EGYPT

HISTORY OF RECENT EVENTS.

QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT. RUGBY”, May 10. In the House, of Commons members raised the questions of recent events in Egypt and the American proposals for a multilateral treaty outlawing war. Sir Austen Chamberlain said that the recent crisis regarding Egypt did not arise out of the rejection of the treaty which was proposed by Sarwat Pasha, but was one of the circumstances which had already too often produced a crisis before the treaty was thought of, and which, unless more wisdom was exercised in the directing of Egyptian policy in future, would produce such a crisis again. It was because he felt this that he had tried to negotiate a treaty which should be a substitute for the unilateral declaration which at present regulated Anglo-Egyptian relations. Sir Austen explained how bis negotiations with Sarwat Pasha for a treaty came about. He did not propose the treaty; Sarwat Pasha proposed the treaty to him. Sarwat, in his first business interview with him, offered explanations regarding the recent crisis which had occurred in Anglo-Egyptian relations. He thanked Sarwat for the explanations, but said ho was less interested in explanations or comments on the past than in questions of what the present and the future relations, were to be, and whether they were always to continue in the way they had done, or whether the time had come or was coming when Egypt would recognise facts, and, by recognising those facts, enter into an arrangement or treaty with Britain in substitution for the British unilateral declaration, which which at once strengthen Egyptian liberties and ensure those interests for the British Empire which successive British Governments had declared that this country must always maintain. In three days’ time Sarwat came back to the Foreign Office with a draft of the treaty which he offered. That was a serious and friendly offer by the Egyptian Prime Minister, and it required equally serious and friendly consideration on the British side, and he considered with Cabinet how much of Sarwat’s proposed treaty could be ac-

eepted, what variations might be made and what could be suggested for the fulfilment of the purpose which Sarwat and the British Government had in common. Sarwat went back to Egypt with the coin iction that he had rendered a great service to his country, and it was profoundly to be regretted that wisdom was not shown there. The decision of the M afd was unfavourable and the treaty . was killed by them. In these circumstances he agreed with Mr Ramsay MacDonald's opinion that negotiations would be useless until time and experience had done their work. Meanwhile, Ire hoped it might be possible, at any rate on the side of the British Government, to conduct AngloEgyptian relations without recurring crises and without the necessity of re- ■ sorting to grave warnings or even moving ships. Mr Lloyd George said that the impression left on his mind by Mr Ramsay MacDonald’s speech was that if Air MacDonald had been Foreign Minister he would have done the same in Egypt as Sir Austen Chamberlain. “ The only question to decide is. Do we mean to remain in Egypt? If so, we must discharge our ’obligations. He had yet to learn that any section of the House of Commons proposed that we should clear out of Egypt. It was a corridor of the country, like Panama, and it divided the British Empire. During the war Indian, Australian, and New Zealand troops came through Egypt. If we had not taken charge of Egypt another country would have done so. V ith regard to America, Air Lloyd George was not sure whether Sir Austen Chamberlain was making some reservations, but, with Mr MacDonald, he thought this would be a mistake. After Air Kellogg’s speech there was no point in reservation. Air Kellogg made it clear that acceptance would not interfere with the obligations under Locarno or the League of Nations. “ When Sir Austen Chamberlain makes a declaration let him make a British declaration, and speak in the name of Britain and the Empire. I think it will have the greatest effect on the whole world.” — (General cheers.) Air G. L. Locker Lampson said that the communications with the dominions were being made by telegraph, and he hoped the result would be known in a few days. 3he debate was adiorned.