IN EGYPT

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIV, Issue 6102, 15 September 1947, Page 7

IN EGYPT

NEW ZEALANDER’S OBSERVATIONS FOLLOWING BRITISH' WITHDRAWAL An enforced sojourn in Egypt, following the departure of British troops from that country, enabled a Wellington accountant, formerly with “Corso” in Greece, to obtain an insight into the transition period in the Middle East. Writing in the Free Lance, the New Zealander says:— “Obviously to avoid offering the opportunity to create an “incident,” the garrison-troops left early in the morning, being watched by a crowd that was “not hostile, just interested.” But there was enthusiasm when, in the presence of King Farouk, the Union Jack was ceremonially lowered at the Kasr-el-Nil barracks and the Egyptian flag was raised. And the day after the British marched out a Hindu shop bore this significant poster: “Closing-down Sale.’’

The Prime Minister had issued a statement declaring that Egyptians should continue to respect the rights of foreign nationals, particularly people who had been born in Egypt of foreign parents and had contributed to the country’s .well-being. But there was an intensely nationalistic element that appeared to ignore such good advice and strove to inflame fanaticism. The Wellington man was not involved in any incident, but his Corso uniform was the only khaki one in Cairo after the troops left, and he took friendly advice to don a sportscoat and slacks in its place. The New Zealander experienced the effects of nationalism as expressed in commercial life. A British firm of accountants would have been pleased to use his services during his enforced stay in Cairo, but it would not have been practicable; for every foreigner employed, places must be given for so many Egyptians, and as Egpytians were not particularly to the confidential work of accountancy the firm was not disposed to burden itself with useless hands.

On the other hand, a man thought to. be an Australian cheerfully resigned himself to the experience of employing a couple of Egyptians more or less usefully to enable him to engage an Englishman of first-class ability. This compulsory employment of Egyptian nationals is becoming accentuated, and by 1950 at least 95% of the pay-roll of any firm must be destined for Egyptians. The present proportion stands at about 70%. Not all Egyptians are keenly nationalistic. Some mentioned to the Wellingtonian their desire to emigrate elsewhere. One man with ample funds' mentioned New Zealand and his wish to come here “for the sake of the children.” Other people, including Greeks, were anxious to leave Egypt. With the disappearance of the British, there was small point in trying to maintain big curio-shops and similar businesses, and no doubt many shopkeepers would follow the example of the Hindu and hold clos-ing-down sales. Almost certainly the flow of foreigners to Egypt has ceased. One firm has been trying for two years to secure permission to “import” new members for its staff from England. But several Ministries between them hamper things so. effectively that in the long run these people never arrive. Apparently it. is all part of the policy of exclusivism.