Typescript and printed cabinet papers and parliamentary papers on events in Egypt [‎110r] (219/520)

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No. 16.
The Marquess Curzon of Kedleston to Field-Marshal Viscount
Allenby (Cairo).
(Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, December 23, 1921.
THERE is no objection, so far as the Colonial Office are
•concerned, to your deporting Zaghlul and his adherents to Ceylon at
the earliest opportunity, as suggested in your telegram of 23rd
December. Instructions are being sent to the Governor of Ceylon
accordingly, but, should it prove undesirable to detain them there
owing to local considerations, they could be sent to the Seychelles.
It is known that the necessary accommodation could be had at the
Seychelles.
Full details as to date of sailing from Suez and composition of
the party should be telegraphed direct to the Governor of Ceylon.
No. 17.
Field-Marshal Viscount Allenby to the Marquess Curzon of
Kedleston.—(Received December 25.)
•{Telegraphic.) Cairo, December 24, 1921.
I MUCH appreciate your telegram of 23rd instant.
It may assist your Lordship if I report recent events which have
led to deportation of Zaghlul and his principal associates.
Draft treaty, and especially my letter to the Sultan, were
received with great resentment, which took in particular the form of
nightly demonstrations in Cairo. There is no doubt that these were
the work of Zaghlulist organisation preparatory to Zaghlul himself
resuming open activity. A week ago commandant of police stated
that his men were being put to great strain, as they were being
stoned nightly. On 19th December, as reported in my telegram of
20th December, I prohibited a meeting which Zaghlul had called
and which was bound to lead to disorder. Zaghlul replied with a
manifesto, in which he stated that this prohibition marked the
beginning of a new British policy of absolute despotism.
Meanwhile elections for native bar council had taken place; none
but Zaghlulists were elected. Previous resolutions which favoured
Adly Ministry were rescinded and a five-days’ strike was declared.
^ t This was generally and rightly regarded as omen of a landslide in
favour of Zaghlul and of a period of intensive striking. I may recall
that in Greece last year similar elections were one of the first signs
of collapse of M. Veniselos.
- i * On 20th December, William Makram, Zaghlul’s chief agent in
England, had arrived in Alexandria. He delivered provocative
speech there and came to Cairo; received ovations at stations on the
way on 21st December. He was met by Zaghlul, and they drove
across the town together through large crowds which added “ Down
with Allenby! ” to usual cries for independence.
That night two British soldiers were shot in the streets pf Cairo
mid one was killed. On 22nd December I ordered Zaghlul to go to
(a