Evening star., 1922-07-04

ana ChCaRO DQliy news, VINO recently
spent several weeks investigating political
and other conditions In Cairo, Alexandra
and throughout the country.)
BY JUNIUS b. WOOD.
Special Correspondence Of The Star and Chi
cago Daily News.
CAIRO, Egypt. June Much has
been written about Egypt's inde-
pendence, and numerous powers. in
cluding the United States. have rec
ognized Egypt as independent. Yet
nobody in Egypt can define that in
dependence. Probably never before
in history has such an anomalous ma
tion existed
Leaders of the nationalist party,
who sway en-eighths of the hum
BILE population Of the country. declare
bitterly, that Great Britain never in
tends to grant Egypt real independ-
ence. The impartial observer finds
not the slightest reason to question
the sincerity of Britain's offer. which.
however. includes four reservations
that must be settled by negotiations
months hence before the quality of
the independence can be judged
Egypt today is not Independent as are
though they are not recognized so by
foreign powers.
British Martial Law Supreme.
Egypt has a king. selected by the
British authorities to the satisfaction
of the Egyptian people: cabinet,
which does not receive such unani-
nous approval; district and local Off
cials; courts which function with
regularity in limited field, and a
years ago and stiu drawing salaries.
though prorogued by sultanic re-
script under martial law eight years
ago. 1t has not held session since.
committee of thirty is drafting a
tentative new constitution. 1t should
be completed by autumn. The truce
In the riots, assassinations and vio-
lence probably will continue until
then. Next will come the election and
appointment OF parliament, =.
after all this, the discussion with
Britain of the terms of independence.
In the meantime the supreme power
In the country, over king. cabinet.
large or petty officials. courts or the
treaty rights of foreign powers with
past or present Egypt. is martial law,
enforced by the British military au
thorities. few days ago, when this
was questioned in the British consul
lar court, British assistant adju-
tant general argued that Egypt con-
tinued technically part of Turkeys
dominion. putting another cloud in
tne lHuep6nueHCC Sky
The brilliant officer, Field Marshal
Allenby. who won the near east for
the allies. is the British high commits
sioner. Even those Egyptians most
suspicious of Downing street do not
doubt Lord Allenby's kindliness. fair
pirations. His personal influence
more than anything else obtained for
Egypt the offer of independence
which now is before her. Also it
must be remembered that Lord AL
lenby is a military man and that a
general is trained to command.
How Martial Law Operates.
Martial law in Egypt is beneficial
as well as severe. Many persons con-
law. especially administered by an
other power. is not in position to
claim independence. Some of the ac-
tions taken under martial law:
Prevent rent profiteering by fixing
maximum rates of rent.
turn of Saad Zaghloul Pasha and his
fellow exiles or to organize CONNER
cial boycotts.
Forbid newspapers to print reports
of petitions or requests made to the
king or cabinet or sent to the news
papers asking for the return of the
eXiles.
Suspend newspapers which in the
judgment of the authorities publish
falsehoods or whose policy is unfa-
vorable, a right which the Egyptian
government has always had under the
penal code.
Deport individuals without trial if
their presence is considered undeSir-
able in the country.
Prohibit certain individuals from
discussing public affairs and intern
others within restricted areas of their
homes.
Sequester not only the funds of the
wafd. the managing committee of the
nationalist party. but also the private
funds Of its members and even pro-
hibit them from drawing pay of any
kind.
Remove persons from the jursdic-
ton of civil courts for trial in mill
tary courts for civil or political Of
fenses aid enforce penal sentences.
Rights of Other Powers.
Martial law supersedes. though out
of courtesy it recognizes. the capitu-
lations by which foreigners had GER
tain rights in Egypt, including extra
territoriality. through treaties be-
tween their governments and Egypt.
Whether these rights will be restored
is involved in one of the reservations
which Great Britain has made to
Egypts independence. Britain pro-
poses to protect the rights of foreign
eTS. france anu Italy nave alreaIN
indicated their objection The United
States is one of the eleven other
countries having such treaties
Only the laws of nature are superior
to martial law. There are many re-
strictions which it could make but
refrains from making. but there is no
authority. in Egypt which can over
rule any of the regulations it does
make. Its censorship of the press is
not rigid but is potent. If an editor
doubts the advisability of an article
he Sonsults the press bureau and
usually does not publish it Among
some CT the newspapers it has
brought an attitude of servility, which
the press bureau does not demand or
desire. Certainly none of the resident
correspondents-all of those repre-
senting American newspapers or news
agencies being Englishmen-would
send this article, though the press
censor would not forbid it,,