EGYPT WITHDRAWS ASSEMBLIES BILL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18453, 2 May 1928, Page 4

EGYPT WITHDRAWS ASSEMBLIES BILL.

BUT REPLY TO BRITAIN REFUSES TO ADMIT RIGHT TO INTERFERE. CUnited Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyrigh t. > (Received May 2. 11.30 a m.) CAIRO, Mav 1 ' it is understood that Egypt’s reply will be delivered at the Residency this afternoon, couched in friendly terms. It expresses the Government's inability to admit the right of Britain, ©r any other foreign Power, to interfere with the Egyptian Parliament’s legislation, but, in order to demonstrate goodwill and Egypt’s desire to maintain friendly relations toward Britain, the Assemblies Bill would be held over until next session. The reply expresses the hope that in the meantime a basis of better AngloEgyptian understanding will be reached, permitting of the removal of the present difficulties.—Australian Press Association-United Service.

NO REPLY RECEIVED IN ENGLAND YET. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received May 2, 1.15 p.m.) RUGBY, May 1. In the House of Commons this afternoon. Sir Austen Chamberlain was asked whether he ' had any further statement to make regarding Egypt. He said that the reply of the Egyptian Government to the British Government’s Note had not yet been received. He had therefore nothing to add to the statement which he made yesterday.—British Official Wireless. “WHY THIS SECRECY?” (United Press Assn.>—By Electric Telegraph.—-Copyright.) (Received May 2,2 p.m.) LONDON, May 1. In the House of Commons. Commander Kenworthy asked: “ Are the Press statements that warships are going to Egypt accurate?’’ Sir Austen Chamberlain: I prefer to confine my statement to what has already been said. Commander Kenworthy: Why this secrecy, seeing that the departure of the warships has been reported in the Press? Mr Saklatvala: Does Mr Chamberlain imply that the public think it wrong to send warships to Egypt? Sir Austen Chamberlain: No; we announced in the Note that if the Egyptian Government failed to give the assurance asked for we reserved the right to take the necessary action. I think it more courteous to remain silent till Egypt has been given the opportunity to reply.—Australian Press Association-United Service. DECISION POSTPONED TILL NEXT SESSION. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received May 2, 1.15 p.m > CAIRO, May 1. The terms of the Egyptian reply are confirmed. The reply adds that Egypt has done all she possibly could constitutionally by postponing examination of the Assemblies Bill until the next Parliamentary session.—Australian Press Association.