Evening star., 1928-04-30
An Ultimatum to Egypt.

When in 1914. virtually as a war
measure, Great Britain declared Egypt
10 be a British protectorate. the future
of Turkeys former dominion was left
in question. In 1922, however the pro-
tectorate was terminated with declara-
tion to the effect that Egypt was an
independent sovereign state. There were
certain reservations attached which
enabled the British government to
maintain a veto power over the acts OF
the newly created nation. One was that
Egypt should pass an act of indemnity.
to meet certain claims arising out Of
nationalist agitationS, in the course OF
which British lives and property were
destroyed. Upon the enactment and
execution of these indemnities martial
law. established in 1914. would be with
drawn. The second reservation, how
ever, was of more significance The fol-
lowing matters were absolutely reserved
to the British government until salts
factory agreements could be made re-
garding them between Great Britain
and Egypt: The security of the Brit
ish Empire in Egypt. particularly the
Suez Canal: the defense of Egypt against
all foreign aggression or interference.
direct or indirect: the protection OF
foreign residents in Egypt and Of minor
ities, and finally the control OF the
Sudan.
Nationalist feeling in Egypt has risen
to high pitch and despite all en-
deavors Of Great Britain to reach .
conclusion upon these reserved matters
the Egyptian Parliament has failed TO
meet the requirements Of the declars-
ton of 1921 A few months ago Egypt
rejected a proposed treaty Of alliance
In which these points were included.
Recently a bill was introduced in Parlia-
ment at Cairo which was regarded as
direct challenge It related to public
assemblies. providing that no steps
should be taken against disorder in
such assemblies except at the request
OF the organizers OF the meeting. OF in
the event that disorders actually occur.
and that policemen violating that pro-
vision should be subject to penalty.
Now the British government has de-
manded that the public assemblies bin
be withdrawn. 1t has been passed by
the Chamber and is before the Senate.
According to recent dispatches the
Egyptian government has declined to
withdraw the bin and from London has
gone forth what is no less than an
ultimatum. giving Egypt forty-eight
hours-one dispatch says three days--.n
which TO comply with the demand. Two
battleships and three cruisers have
sailed from Malta under sealed orders.
the nature Of which may be imagined.
There is little apprehension Of actual
conflict Doubtless upon the arrival of
Alexandria Of this feet the government
OF Cairo will yield TO the British de-
mand and withdraw the bill. or seek to
gain time by the expedient Of sub
siituting another measure for it on the
calendar. British patience has been
soreiy tried and Is not likely TO be ex-
tended much longer. Egypt has gained
a large measure Of autonomy, is In.
deed at present virtually an independ-
ent state. and despite the existence OF
a strong nationalist feeling. which viii
not be satisfied with anything less than
complete independence. without reserva-
tons, the Cairo government il not likely
TO put in jeopardy that which has betn
gained by insistence Upon measure
which lis regarded IN London M the
nose OF the camel As long a. the euez
Canal flows through Egypt, Great Brit
ain will retain its ultimate authority,
even al the cost OF hostiiities.