The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-03-19
CLASH IN EGYPT
OVER ENGLISH RULE
Deportation Of NatiOnalists
Followed Attempt to Seize
Government.

LONDON, March 1S.-Replying to a
question with regard to the deportation
Of three Nationalist leaders from Egypt,
William Dudley Ward. in the House of
Commons to-day. on behalf Of the Under
Secretary for Foreign Affairs. said that
last November a deputation Of Egyptian
Nationalist under the leadership Of
Said Pasha zagloul. vice. president of
the Legislative Assembly. called at the
British resdency to advocate pro-
gramme OF complete autonomy for
Egypt, which would leave to Great
Britain only the right OF supervision In
regard to the public debt and facilities
for shipping in the Suez Canal.
They demanded, according to the
statement, to be allowed to proceed to
London Immediately to submit their pro-
grannne. At the same time. It was
stated, the Nationalist elected a commit
tee Of fourteen leaders and began agi-
tation throughout the country. collect
ing signatures to petitions and also sub
scriptions in support of their programme.
Shortly afterward the Prime Minister,
Rouchdi Pasha, suggested that he and
ABLY Pasha, Minister of Education. visit
London In the immediate future to dis
cuss Egyptian affairs. Rouchdi further
urged that the Nationalist leaders should
also be allowed a hearing in London.
Reply by Government.
The British Government, according to
the statement of Mr.. Ward, replied that
while sympathizing with the idea Of CIV
ing the Egyptians an ever increasing
share In the government Of the country,
II could not abandon its responsibility
nj IN
over which a British protectorate was
formally declared In 1915. and for safe
guarding the rights and interests OF the
native and foreign populations. No use
ful purpose, II was stated, would be
served by allowing the Nationalist lead
ers to come to London and advance i'm
moderate demands, which could not pos
stbly be entertained.
As regard to the two Ministers, Mr.
Ward said. the Government announced
their visit would be very welcome, but
that II would be better in the interests of
their own convenience and dignity that
1t should not be timed to coincide with
the first weeks OF the Peace Conference,
when Mr.. Balfour (the Foreign Secre-
tary) would be absent in Paris and
fully engaged. 1t was proposed that the
visit should be postponed for a short
time. The two Ministers. Mr.. Ward said
Sultan. At the beginning OF January
the British High Commissioner, Sir Regi-
maid Wingate. was summoned to London
to report upon tkc- situation, said Mr..
Ward and an Invitation was addressed
to the two Ministers to come TO London
in the middle OF February. But they
replied that tl1ay" refused to-cM unless
the Nationalist leaders also were per-
mitted to proceed to London.
Two Ministers Quit.
Continuing. Mr.. Ward said the British
Government felt unable to accept such
a condition, and the designations OF the
two Ministers. which had remained in
suspense, were accepted by the Sultan.
Steps then were taken for the formation
of a new Ministry. but the Nationallsts
on hearing of the refusal of their de-
mand, endeavored to prevent new
Ministry from being formed by intimi-
dating the Sultan and those Ministers
or others who were ready to remain in
or to accept office.
Mr.. Ward said the Sultan appealed to
the acting High Commissioner for pro-
lection from further insults and intimi-
dations, and authority had been given
for the arrest and deportation TO Malta
of Said Pasha Zagloul and three other
conspicuous part in the agitation. Since
then there had been some demonstra-
lions and rioting In Cairo and In one
or two provincial centres. Mr.. Ward
said. chiefly organized by students who
had enlisted the help OF the town rabble
Collisions occurred with the Egyptian
Dolice and with British troops engaged
In maintaining order. according TO the
sta tement. and there had been some
casualties and a few looters had been
shot.
Mr.. Ward said these p,anifestat'o1,s
had not been approved by the more
sober elements OF the population and
that there was every reason to believe
the situation was well in hand.
Earl Curzon of Kedleston. Government
spokesman in the House Of Lords, made
an Identical statement to that Of Mr..
Ward in the House OF Lords to-day.
s. A L. go. 49, Il