FUTURE OF EGYPT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20585, 26 November 1936, Page 12

FUTURE OF EGYPT

RATIFICATION OF TREATY WITH BRITAIN British Official Wireless RUGBY, November 24. The Foreign Secretary (Mr Anthony Eden), in asking the House of Commons to approve the ratification of the Anglo-Egyptian treaty of friendship and alliance, said in entering the negotiations it had been the British Government’s intention, by reaching agreement oit the four points reserved in 1922, to complete Egyptian independence and sovereignty, and thus satisfy Egyptian aspirations, while at the same time protecting Britain’s interests, and advancing the joint interests of the two countries. The four points were: Security of Empire communications, defence of Egypt, protection of foreign interests, and the rights of minorities and the Soudan, and he believed the terms of the treaty did safeguard what was of vital importance to both. Moving the ratification of the Treaty Mr Eden emphasised that the Dominion Governments, though not signatories, were informed at every stage of the negotiations. He quoted the statement of Sir George Pearce in the Australian Senate, that everything had been done to ensure the continued safety of Empire communications, which meant so much to Australia, and also the statement of the Hon. W. Nash, that the treaty was a courageous settlement, Mr Eden described these as interesting, coming from the two Dominions most closely concerned. The Treaty was ratified without division.