The Timaru Herald WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1928. ULTIMATUM TO EGYPT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 17945, 2 May 1928, Page 8

The Timaru Herald WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1928. ULTIMATUM TO EGYPT.

With, characteristic disregard f'oi'; the safety of the Eminre iihd thh protection Vi pf 'Ui-itaalxei-a-r' ill fch'eigai • hinds, .'. “The Daily Herald, ’•’ the official organ oh the British Labour Party, dudares that “the action of the British Government towards Egypt is utterly unjustifiable." “The Daily Mail,” on the other hand, which, by the way, has as its inotta “for King and Country, - ’ declares with equal emphasis that “it should be clearly understood by the Egyptian Government, that the whole British nation, with the exception of a negligible minority of Cbmtnunists and faddists,’ stands behind Sir Austen Chamberlain ’’ The question at issue is one which is easily explained. Comparatively fresh from - the rejection of a Treaty that was to .fiave settled, finally the relations of. their .country- with Britain, the politicians of Egypt .are proposing to press to a' conclusion, legislation, that will maker inoie) difficult the task—difficult enough : already—of maintaining public’ order. It is not sufficient to consider the proposed Assemblies, Law. merely as a gesture of defiance. . It has to be weighed as an -fe-naotment intended tp be completed ' and made effective. It will make the polio© impotent to...control those; riotous gatherings which have been a. regular feature of political agitation' in Egypt- isinoe the; trouble days of 1919. The' students of Cairo, always in the forefront when trouble is. ...brewing, will fine their freedom to create public v oi'der practically untrammelled.' it has been repeatedly poimetl out tlip.t- the gatherings which begin as meetings of protest ovet; sprue" point .involving- a real or fancied grievanoe, then sudderily', ''developi into ' riot' with attacks on foreigners and looting of their property will be more easily possible than ever. The police will not be able to intervene until the mob is thoroughly put of hand; then they will he powerless. It is no . fanciful picture of possible eventualities. Control of violence by the Egyptian police authorities has never been effective. After 1922, when the native Criminal Department became responsible for this work, there -were a large number of outrages in shots were fired at British civilian officials; in many instances with fatal results. The apathy of the police authorities in dealing with the criminals became so glaring that British residents were not only empowered, they were advised by the High Commissioner, to carry, firearms whenever; they ■went' abroad, especially in. Cairo. .With sucjli ■ .lessons' showing the premiripu'sness’ of ••,-control '.over the bptiminal population,’jt isdnoi to be wondered .that Parlianientarj •'option to- rob the police of power arid authority should he frowned upon Til - Britain, 'wli'ere responsibility for 1 ; the safety of foreign elements m Egvpt still rests.: Britain,has shown remarkable forbearance Avitli the'-new' political regime in Egypt, Imt the time is come to take a definite, stand, and Sir Austen Chamberlain, y avlio can haidly bo charged with beings a fire-brand, - has warned the Egyptian Government to.heware of iiA • steps, and has.; demanded the withdrawal of the Assemblies Bill. It is ''pointed : in 'the cable • messages this ... morning that Britain’s ultimatum, is not mere bluff, but is an absolutely final • step preceding the firmest action in'Egypt if the Bill is not with'drai' , ;i by May 2. Obviously the Bill is designed to promote international discord by exposing all foreign elements to the -danger of' interference in riots and less violent disturbances. The Inipeiial' Government could not, ,on the ,face, .of it, ignore the challenge issued by the Egyptian Prime Minister. Doubtless, Aviser counsels will prevail, and the .offending* Bill, Avhich is in reality ,_ designed, to promote discord, will be conveniently consigned to oblivion, and" more reasonable measures promoted in the interests of all sections of Egyptian communities.