EGYPT REJOICES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20510, 31 August 1936, Page 9

EGYPT REJOICES

RECEPTION OF NEW TREATY United Press Association— By Electric Telegrapn —Copyright CAIRO, August 28. Crowds cheered members of the Air Force and shouted “long live British and Egyptian friendship.” Everywhere there was unprecedented warmth of feeling towards Britain.

ENGLISH PRESS COMMENT

SHARPLY DIVIDED OPINIONS British Official Wireless RUGBY, August 28. The terms of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty are fully set out in the newspapers, which recognise that it opens a new era in the relations between the two countries. “The Daily Telegraph” expresses keen satisfaction that a solution satisfactory to both Egyptian Nationalism and the protection of certain vital British Imperial interests has been reached. It hopes that the Powers will meet the Egyptian request regarding capitulations in a generous spirit, and in regard to other features it remarks that the conception of the alliance dominates the whole treaty. All the military arrangements assume that the alliance will be lasting and that the military interests of Egypt will remain identical with those of Britain. The concessions made in connection with the restoration of co-ordination in the Sudan, it adds, are large, but just. The real question has always been whether they are safe and in the highest interest of the Sudan and its people. Ti™ alone can supply the answer, and it will largely depend upon the capacity of the new Egypt for good government, as well as for self-government. ‘The Morning Post” is severely critical of the treaty in regard to the military articles and capitulations, and the Sudan British military occupation, it says, was not in any sense that mattered a restriction of Egyptian freedom, but an effectual guarantee of Egypt’s safety. The treaty, it adds, weakens the British capacity to protect Egypt at the very moment when it ought to be strengthened. While agreeing that the capitulatory regime is in need of modification, it believes that uneasiness will be felt among the foreign communities at the length to which the treaty goes in the direction of their extinction and it fears that the provisions concerning the Sudan may produce friction in that difficult territory. British Liberal Attitude. “The Manchester Guardian” says: “The treaty is another witness to the more liberal attitude, both in our foreign relations and in our Imperial policy, which, on the whole, has prevailed since the war.” “The Daily Herald” says: "Doubtless there will he criticism in both countries of the details of the treaty, but we believe that the mass of opinion in both countries will be more than satisfied. The unhappy past can now be forgotten. It is the future which matters, and for the people of Egypt the future which the treaty provides is at once a great opportunity and a great responsibility. For that future they have the best wishes of the British people.” “The Daily Mail’s” attitude continues to be severely critical, and it describes the treaty as a blow to Empire security.