THE CRISIS IN EGYPT

Taranaki Daily News, 1 June 1927, Page 7

THE CRISIS IN EGYPT

ARMY RE-ORGANISATION friendly note presented BRITISH BATTLESHIP SENT PREMIER MAY RESIGN By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received May 31, 7.15 p.m. Cairo, May 30. laird Lloyd has presented Sarwat Pasha with Great Britain’s Note upon the re-organisation of the Egyptian army. The Note is couched in friendly terms and no time limit has been fixed. The Cairo correspondent of the Daily Express states the crescendo of political excitement reached its zenith when it was announced that a Note had been received from Lord Lloyd. The Arabic newspapers regard it as an ultimatum, supported by the despatch of a battleship. It is expected Sarwat Pasha will resign the Premiership, as the Parliamentary debate is likely to make the position of the Government most difficult. Such a resignation would please the Zaghlulist extremists, whose latest cry is “Let the Parliament go and let England alone bear the responsibility of ruling the country.” If the Army Bill is carried it is expected that Royal Assent to it will be refused under Lord Lloyds advice. The British colony feel that a popular outbreak is possible at any moment unless the situation is handled strongly. Received May 31, 9.50 p.m. London, May 30. The Daily News states the Egyptian Parliament’s Army Committee has recommended the cancellation of the annual payment of three-quarters of a million pounds (Egyptian) towards the Soudan administration. It is further demanded that the army be exclusively Egyptian and the Minister of War alone be responsible therefor. Official quarters emphasise that the sending of battleships to Egypt is as ordinary precautionary measure in view of the extremist activity which is stirring up an artificially tense situation and attempting to undermne the position of the British officers under which the Egyptian army is guided to efficiency.