NEW ERA OPENS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19106, 29 August 1936, Page 6

NEW ERA OPENS

BRITAIN AND EGYPT REVIEW OF AGREEMENT LONDON PRESS; COMMENT A FAVOURABLE RECEPTION (British Official Wireless.) Heed. 2 p.m. RUGBY, Aug. 28. The terms of the Anglo-Egyptiaii treaty are fully set out in the newspapers, which ‘recognise that, it opens a new era. in relations between the two countries. The Daily Telegraph expresses keen satisfaction ‘ that a solution satisfactory, both to Egyptian nationalism _ and the protection ol certain vital British and imperial interests lias been reached. It hopes that the Powers will meet the Egyptian request regarding capitulations in a generous spirit, and in regard to tho other” features it remarks that the conception of an alliance dominates the whole treaty. All the military arrangements assume that the alliance will be lasting, and that the military interests of Egypt will remain identical with those of Britain.

The concessions made in connection with the restoration and co-ordination in the Sudan, it adds, are large but just. The real question always has been whether they arc safe ill the highest interest of t he' Sudan and its people. _ Time alone can supply the answer, and it. will largely depend upon the rapacity ol the new Kc.vpt. for good government, as well as for self-government. The .Morning Post is severely critical of the treaty in regard to the military articles, capitulations, and the Sudan. The British military occupation, it. says, was not ia any sense that mattered a restrict ion of Egyptian freedom, but- an effectual guarantee of Egypt’s selet.y. Tin* treatv, it adds, weakens the British capacity to protect Egypt at the very moment when it might to lie strengthened. While agreeing that tiny capitulatory regime is in need of modification, it- believes that uneasiness will lie felt, among foreign eomnninilies at the length to which the treaty goes in tin* direction of their extinction, and it tears that, the provisions concerning the Sudan may produce friction in that difficult territory. The Manchester Guardian says that the treaty is another witness of the more liberdl attitude both in our foreign relations and in our Imperial policy, which, on the whole, has prevailed since the war.

The Daily Herald says that doubtless there will be criticism in both count l ies of the details of the treaty, hut we believe that the mass of opinion in t both countries will be move than satisfied. The unhappy past can now be forgotten. It is the future which matters, and for the people of Egypt the future which the treaty provides is at once a emit opportunity and a great responsibility. For that future they have the best wishes of the British people. The Daily Mail’s attitude continues to be severely critical, and it describes tho treaty as a blow to Empire security. ■ No difficulties are anticipated in regard to the ratification of the new Anglo- ! Egyptian treaty in Cairo or in London, and it is assumed that at the earliest meeting of the League of Nations Assembly after the ratification, Egypt's application for membership of the league will be considered. It will, of course, have the warm support of the British Government. ,