New-York tribune., 1906-07-06
PEACE ENGLAND'S AIM
CRISIS IN EGYPT.
Sir Eduard Grey Says Government
Must Meet Emergency.

yonson July 5.-Parliament and the country
..s surprise tonight by an unexpected and
..,s,tionai speech by Sir Edward Grey, the For
80, secretary. on the situation in Egypt An
,..s,esting debate on foreign affairs had been
.,,icipated when the House Of Commons took
=, tbe foreign estimates. but on account of
pussia and the Congo affairs rather than Egypt
an other subjects, however. were temporarily
,,rpotten when the Fouse realized the mo-
.,sntous character Of Sir Edward Grey's deliv-
france with regard 10 Egypt.
snsaking in a solemn tone and amid a tense
s,lsnoe the minister declared that the recent at
.,.s On British officers at Tantab was not ac-
,,ssntai but deliberate manifestation Of the
s.nstical spirit which had made necessary the
strengthening Of the garrison in Egypt. and de-
dared that, unless the authority of Lord Cromer
and the Egyptian government were strongly up
,.ls II might lead TO a situation requiring the
,soption OF such unconstitutional measures TO
meet the emergency as would be especially dis
.,eseful 10 the Liberal government.
IN the course OF the consideration OF the for
s,en estimates by the House Of Commons to-day
sareral members offered criticisms. especially
urging that fleet be not sent TO Cronstadt.
John Dillon. Nationalist, strongly denounced
,bat he termed the brutal barbarism of fog
eings and executions in Egypt, accusing Sir Ed
,Eand Grey. The Foreign Secretary, Uf a desire
10 cloak the affair.
Sir Edward. in general reply. stated that all
sOreign relations were friendly. With regard to
the Egyptian affair he accepted full response
blIty, and pointed out that danger might ac-
erue when dealing with Eastern peoples through
discussions Of this kind. The Secretary pro-
oeeded 10 refer 10 the great growth of fanatical
feeling in Egypt and throughout North Africa
recently, which might make necessary even fur
ther measures TO protect Europeans in Egypt
ard speaking in solemn manner. said: "As
things are now, / say deliberately and with a
full sense OF responsibility that if Parliament
does anything at this moment TO weaken or
destroy the authority OF the Egyptian govern
ment you will come face to face with a very
serious situation for should fanaticism get the
better Of constituted authority. there might arise
the necessity for extreme measures
Dealing with the Congo question, the Foreign
Secretary said he distrusted the proposed re-
forms because the system was wrong He dis
liked trading companies and believed the root
of the whole mischief was in the system under
and monopolist companies held administrative
power II other powers would join Great Brit
ain in insisting on reforms the government
would welcome them. II the Congo State talked
q its rights. Sir Edward said. Great Britain also
had rights The question &C the reserR alton of
enoTmous areas for private property must be
dealt with, and if any dispute arose there was
the Hague Tribunal He believed it would be
beneficial TO resume British consular jurisdic-
ton, but it would be disccurasing Belgium from
taking over the Congo government. and there
fore he thought the government should wait. but
they could not wait forever.
With regard to the proposed visit Of a British
feet TO Cronstadt, the Foreign Secretary said
he FELT assured that the central government Of
Russia was neither aware Of nor had connived
al the recent unfortunate occurrences. No
interference from the outside would strengthen
reform party. but rather reactionaries or revo-
lutionists As British fleet was in the Baltic
last year and had not visited Russian ports. it
would be remarkable if a feet should not do so
this year He hoped the usual civilities would
Be observed. The feet would go entirely with
out reference TO Russian internal affairs. It
would be impossible TO make q change now
without giving rise TO the suspicion that Great
Britain was taking sides. The visit would be in
friendly spirit, 70 pay compliments to Emperor
Aicholas and the Russian nation Sir Edward
SAID he could not imagine the Russian parlia-
hent Interpreting the visit as taking sides The
oniy safe rule in the present Russian trouble he
ADDED, was 10 avoid comment and interference.
through all that was happening there were
signs that the vitality, energy and character Of
great people are working 10 great future.