ULTIMATUM TO EGYPT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 17945, 2 May 1928, Page 13

ULTIMATUM TO EGYPT.

Britain’s Final Warning. " NO; MERE BLUFF." ; : / (United Press Association —By. Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, April 30. Sir Austen Chamberlain (Minister of Foreign Affairs), in the House of Commons," siid that; -Lord night d-alivefed a’:fiS'al warning. Egyptian Government, demanding a written, categorical assurance that the Assembly’s Bill would mot be proceeded with. ,If -the assurance were not received by the evening of May 2 Britain would- consider herself free to take whatever action she deemed necessary. . '

Britain’s ultimatum is not a mere bluff, but is an absolutely final step, preceding firmest of action. in. Egypt if Nnha-s Pasha, does not withdraw the Public Assemblies Bill by Alay 2. The “Herald’s” political correspondent says that no modification will now-be accepted; cnly entire withdrawal, failing which Britain will act the moment the ultimatum expires. 1 . There is reason for be’ieving that one step may be the immediate seizure of the Customs, while, the warships 'and troops will stand by as a warning against violence. There will be an attempt to dissolve Parliament, but the action, is strictly Wttlun the Constitutional rights of tfee 1922 declaration. It is learned that the . British Government discussed the Bill over th’e week-end, in order to give an. opportunity for modification, but Nahas’ defiance resulted in the decision to send an ultimatum. ITtrir .ff ■;■ rtr- —— /fi. a* ATTITUDE* OF CHAMBER. "L BILL LIKELY TO BE SHELVED: (United", Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) - ■■ v.c. CAIRO, April. 3o,. =• The Chamber met for a secret session, the Deputies assembling lyThey received; Nahas Pasha silently. A Wafdist protested against secrecy and declared that everyone, including, the British, should hear the Deputies’ opinions of the situation. , Both Houses agreed to a postponement of the Assemblies -Lill.. .< • ; TWO VIEWPOINTS. LONDON PRESS COMMENT. (United Press Association— By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received May 1, 11.i0 pim.) -LONDON, May 1. The “Daily Herald” (Labour) says: “It is hard to .pee how the proposed Egyptian law differs from the normal practice in civilised countries, or.;what it contains, to justify the sending ox an ultimatum in preparation for-coer-cive military measures. If we believe in constitutional government, then the action of the Government towards Egypt is utterly unjustifiable, and violence will breed violence.”

The “Daily Mail” says: “It should he clearly understood by the Egyptian Government that the whole British nation, with the exception of a negligible minority of Communists and faddists, stands behind. Sir Austen Chamberlain:’? „ , ,;■