The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-06
Stern Measures Necessary to
 Arrest Fanaticism
SOUNDS NOTE OF WARNING
British Foreign Secretary Is Also Wor- ried Over Acts of the Trading Companies In the Congo
 Free State.

London, July 5.-Parliament and the country were given a surprise tonight Tn a. sensational speech by Sir Edward Grey. the foreign secretary, on the situation III Egypt An interesting debate on for- eign affairs had been anticipated when the house of commons took up the for- eign estimates, but on account of Russia and the Congo. rather than Egypt. All othed subjects, however, were tempora- rily forgotten when the house realized the momentous character of Sir Edward Grey's deliverance as focused in Egypt. Speaking in a solemn tone and amid a tense silence the minister declared that the attacks on British at Tan Tab were not accidental but deliberate manifesta- tion of the fanatical spirit which had necessitated the strengthening of the garrison in Egypt, and declared that un- less the authority of Lord Cromer and the Egyptian government is strongly up- held 1t might lead to a situation requiring the adoption of stern measures.
 The matter came up during the consider ation of the foreign estimates by the house. Several members offered critt-
 
 not be sent to Cronstadt.
 John Dillon, nationalist strongly denied what he termed the brutal barbarism of 'foggings and executions in Egypt. &C., cusing Sir Edward Grey, the foreign sec retary, of a desire to cloak the affair."
 Foreign Relations Friendly.
 Sir Edward in general reply stated hat al friendly. With regard to the Egyptian affair he ac- cepted full responsibility and pointed out that danger might accrue when dealing with eastern peoples through discussion of this kind
 The Nfs tele prooeeded to refer to the great growth of fanatical feeling in Egypt and throughout North Africa re- gently which might necessitate even fur ther measures to protect Europeans in Egypt, and speaking in a solemn manner, said:
 '.As things are now, I say deliberately and with full sense of responsibility that if Parliament does anything at this month 10 weaken or destroy the authority of the Egyptian government, you will come face to face with very serious situation, for should fanaticism get the better of constituted authority there might arise the necessity for extreme measures"
 DlsiIlees Trading Companies.
 Dealing with the Congo question the foreign secretary said he distrusted the proposed reforms because the system was wrong. He dis1ilked trading companies, and believed the root of the whole mischief was in the system under which the state itself was a. trading company and monop- oly. The companies held administrative power. If other powers would join Great Britain in insisting on reforms, the gov ernment would welcome them. If the Con- go state talked of its rights, Sir Ed ward said, Great Britain also had rights. The question of the reservation of enor- nous areas for private property must be dealt with. and if any dispute arises, there was The Hague tribunal.
 He believed it would be beneficial to re- sume British consular Jurisdiction, but 1t would be discouraging Belgium from taking over the Congo government, and therefore he thought the government should wait, but they could not wait for ever.
 With regard to the proposed visit of a French fleet to Cronstadt, the foreign sec- retary said he felt assured that the cen tral government of Russia was neither aware of nor had connived at the recent unfortunate occurrences in Egypt. No interference from the outside would strengthen a reform party, but rather re- nctionaries or revolutionists.
 As a British fleet was fin the Baltic last year and had not visited Russian ports 1t would be remarkable if fleet should not do so this year. He hoped the usual cIviities would be observed The fleet would go entirely without reference to Russian internal affairs.