The Daily News. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1919. THE TROUBLE IN EGYPT.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 March 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1919. THE TROUBLE IN EGYPT.

Whatever may be the cause for the Nationalist upheaval in Egypt, its suppression may be regarded as a matter of certainty. Egypt is not actually a British possession, but a protectorate, and it may be claimed that it is a protectorate iu the full sense of the

| word. Throughout the history of Egypt, which goes back to the [very remote ages, the country has never enjoyed such privileges and boons as during the time that Britain has had a hand in promoting its prosperity and freedom. It is true that glories of ancient Egypt, have long since departed, and that the effects of Turkish rule have been impressed on the country. That rule ceased when, on the outbreak of the war in 1914 the pro-German ruler, Abbas 11., strove to take advantage of the opportunity for destroying British influence and power in Egypt, but his treachery was short lived and had an effect quite contrary to that which was hoped for, as it was the means of putting an end to Turkish suzerainty, which had existed for over four centuries, and relieved Egypt from the payment of an annual tribute to Turkey of nearly three quarters of a million sterling. In what may be called modern times, so far as l!gypt is concerned, the great difficulty of government has been the existence o'f exceptional fanaticism among the generality of the natives, and Britain has had painful experiences therefrom. At the same time no effort has been spared by Britain to prove to the Egyptians that the British had their best interests at heart. Although there is not the slightest justification for the present uprising, it is quite conceivable that a strong rationalistic spirit exists. The beginning of the continuous civilisation of Egypt dates from about 8000 or 7000 8.C., and there has been no break of continuity of human works from that remote time to the present. "With a history like this it is only natural that the Egyptians should strive fiercely for maintaining their nationality, and strongly opposing foreign dominance. The strenuous fighting spirit still exists, the people are easily inflamed, so that it needs but little to create an upheaval, especially as there is a dangerous anti-British element ready to take ?dvantage of any opportunity for rebellion. We cannot forget, however, that German hopes of an Egyptian revolt when the late war broke out were speedily crushed by the declaration of ioyalty <of the people to Britain, and we firmly believe that the same loyalty still exists, for the benefits conferred on the country and its people by the British are so evident that they cannot escape recognition, especially the termination of the Turkish overlordship. The loyalty of the people during the war disposes of all question of dissatisfaction at British policy, but it may well be that hopes of self government have been fostered by President "Wilson's enunciation of the principle of self determination, So long as Turkey had the power to dominate Egypt there was no hope of self-government, but now that Turkey is a derelict nation the position has altered, and the Nationalists evidently considered the time had arrived to make a bid for freedom. Unfortunately they have endeavored to force matters by most unwise and unwarrantable means. Had the,? been more patient and striven to fit themselves for the boon would have been granted in due time, but their action has retarded and not expedited the re alisation of their aspirations. Britain has too much at stake in Egypt to take any risks, and she is sufficiently powerful to repress revolutionary outbreaks and punish the leaders. Egypt is the highway to India and must be guarded from all danger of hostile or unfriendly acts. It is quite possible that Bolshevik agencies have been at work fomenting strife, just as they planned to bring about an uprising in India. Knowing there is no real cause for disloyalty to Britain we need not examine too closely the factors that brought about the recent riots, but charitably place them to the account of a desire to participate in the self government provisions which have been looming large at the Peace Conference. It is reassuring to learn that the improvement in the position is being maintained, while there can be no doubt that Britain will act justly and firmly in repressing disorders. It is' matter for regret that these outbreaks should have been engineered in face of the certainty that they must signally fail in their object. Egypt has everything to gain by •loyalty to and friendship with Britain, and the people may rest assured that when the country is l'jpe for self government it wiil be granted—but not before.