MODERN EGYPT

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4536, 13 February 1942, Page 3

MODERN EGYPT

STORY OF ITS MAKING ANARCHY AVERTED (By R.K.) “ Egypt,” wrote Herodotus 2000 years ago, “ contains more marvellous things than any other country.” To-day forgotten splendour of the ancient land of the Pharaohs still exerts a fascination unparalleled in history, still exercises an influence far greater than its power apparently warrants. While Britain was slowly laying the foundations of its Empire in South Africa, events in Egypt were moving rapidly to a crisis which precipitated British intervention. When, in 1882, the British army stormed the earthworks of Tel-el-Kebir and, next day, two squadrons of cavalry rode across the desert and occupied Cairo, a fuse was lighted which is still blazing along its destined way. The great highway of the nations once more became crucial in the life of civilisation. Behind it lay the most chequered, entrancing, pathetic, and dramatic history of all time; before it lay new, dynamic happenings in which men from all nations would be locked in frenzied strife. Mighty invasions have passed over the country. Roman adventurers, Turkish armies, French imperialists, and many others had fought and suffered under its burning sun before the British entered the arena. “ Let it always be remembered,” wrote Lord Milner, “ that Great Britain did save Egypt from anarchy and all European nations interested in Egypt from incalculable losses in blood and treasure.” BRITISH INTERVENTION What were the causes underlying the British intervention ? The roots go back to the Napoleonic wars. Bonaparte placed Egypt central in his vast scheme of world domination, but his army, isolated by the defeat of the French fleet and harassed by the English under Abercromby, evacuated the country in September, 1801. Two years later the British left Alexandria, and a long struggle ensued between the Turks and the Mamelukes. Following an abortive British invasion in 1807, Mehemet Bey established himself as undisputed master. Originally commander of an Albanian regiment, this remarkable man became Pasha and extended his sway, improving manufacture, restoring order, securing the passage of the Nile to all travellers, and building up a disciplined army and a’small navy. The intervention of European Powers in 1841 restricted his territories to Egypt. Slowly his power decayed; his mind gave way. He died in August, 1849. Although, under his sons, the condition of the country deteriorated, public works'were carried out under' the best contractors in Europe. In 1869 the Suez Canal was opened, but so tremendous was the taxation and so vast the national debt that Ismail Pasha was forced to sell his 176,602 canal shares to the British Government for nearly £4,000,000. So bad had conditions become that, in order to satisfy the European bondholders, a 'dual French and British control was instituted. After an attempt to reassert himself, Ismail was dismissed by the Sultan, and his son Tewfik appointed in his place. EGYPTIAN NATIONALISM For two years France and Britain governed the country. Then came the revolt of Ahmed Arabi. Egyptian nationalism was born. It began as a protest against the abuse of European power; it ended as an attack upon every aspect of that power. The weak Egyptian Government made many concessions to the Nationalist movement, ultimately making Arabi a member of the Cabinet. The country was seething with unrest, and the leaders of the National - party prepared to resist the Western Powers. Unable to obtain the support either of France or Italy, Britain acted alone. Troops were landed after Alexandria had been bombarded, following a masacre by the Arab mob in the city. Following the defeat of the Egyptians at Tel-el-Kebir, Arabi was tried and banished. After a long exile he was permitted to return to Egypt, and, old and feeble, lived in a little house on the very edge of the desert, neglected and forgotten by the people who had once followed and idolised him. His usual signature was “ Ahmed Arabi the Egyptian,” a pathetic comment on his life story. From 1882 there has been a steady, inevitable expansion of British power over Egypt. Great names and heroic acts have left their mark upon the sixty years of occupation. The direct British control, commenced in 1882, came to open recognition with the declaration of the protectorate in 1914.. This was abolished—in 1922, but the unrest in the country made it impossible to remove the British troops. EGYPT’S LIFE STREAM Two vital considerations affect British policy in Egypt—one is the safeguarding of the Suez Canal; the other the control of the Nile. Egypt de-

pends upon the Nile in a manner tha' defies over-statement. The river is its life. “It is an uncomfortable thought,” said Lord Milner thirty years ago, “ that the regular supply of water by the great river that is to Egypt not a question of convenience or prosperity, but actually of life, must always be exposed to some risk as long as the upper reaches of that river are not under Egyptian control. Who can say what might happen if some day a civilised Power or a Power commanding civilised skill, were to undertake great engineering works on the Upper Nile arid to divert for the artificial irrigation of that region the water which is so essential for the artificial irrigation of Egypt ? ” This demonstrates what is unquestionably the dominating factor of the future in Africa—its essential unity. Although this necessitates vast reaches of thought, and embraces tremendous stretches of country, the ultimate dependence of ope part upon another is an integral element in the world of the future. Hence Britain’s, interest in the NileEven more far-reaching is her interest in the Suez Canal, the vital lihk in Empire communications. The striking bronze statue of de Lesseps, with out-flung arm pointing to the south, has underneath it the words: “To open the earth for the nations.” Standing as it does at the Mediterranean entrance to the canal, it states British policy concerning it — it must be kept open. This can be ensured only from the jvestern bank. When the Turks entered the last war they commenced their preparations for attacking the canal. The main defence was 180 miles of barren desert to be crossed. Whoever controls Egypt controls the canal. LUSTRED NAMES Of the names that stand in honour upon the long scroll of the Empire’s builders, few are more illustrious than those associated with the making of modern Egypt. Their sound beats strongly upon heart and mind Lord Dufferin, Lord Cromer, Lord Kitchener, and, most striking of them all, Gordon of Khartoum. To-day Egypt stands in the very heart of the great struggle of the nations, its pivotal position emphasising its vital necessity to the Empire. To it have gone troops from various parts of the British Commonwealth of Nations, upon it may depend the ultimate fate of world civilisation. Conflicts of people through almost illimitable stretches of time have centred themselves in certain strategic centres. Such is Egypt, with its fertility and faith, its mighty past and enigmatic future.