Printed papers on the political situation and military policy in Egypt [‎29v] (58/176)

(
2
Mr. McNEILL also warned Mr. Morel not to attach too much importance to
the King's alleged desire to recall Zaghlul. In Egypt, as in other countries, the
coalition of parties was more often due to the expediency of the moment than to any
coincidence of principle or political sympathies. Because the King was at present
anxious to enlist the support of the Zaghlulists, it did not necessarily follow that at
a later date he would regard with favour the return of Zaghlul.
Mr. SPOOR said that about a year ago Sir Maurice Amos had assured him and
Mr. Clynes that the abolition of martial law would take place very shortly. What
had prevented it? They were told that it was the desire of His Majesty’s
Government to dictate a Constitution.
Mr. MURRAY said that he was sure nobody regretted the delay more than
Sir Maurice Amos, and that it was in no way due to His Majesty's Government, but,
as had already been stated, to the Egyptians themselves, the majority of whom
naturally wanted a democratic Constitution and were afraid of an absolute monarchy
and a return to the days of the Khedive Ismail. This had always been the difficulty,
and at the time of the Milner Mission it was even suggested by the Egyptians that
the Constitution, when drafted, should be guaranteed by the British Government.
Mr. MOREL said that the attacks on British officials and others which had
taken place during the last year were largely due to the severity of the measures
which were taken to repress them. He instanced the case in which two men had been
hanged for wounding a fellow-countryman.
Mr. MURRAY replied that in the case referred to the accused had appealed
against the sentence of the military court, which had necessitated the whole evidence
being referred to the Judge Advocate-General in London, who had confirmed the
sentence. It did not therefore seem likely that any miscarriage of justice had taken
place.
Mr. SPOOR asked whether, if Zaghlul were released, the others who were
deported at the same time would also be allowed to return.
Mr. MURRAY said he did not think there would be any objection, but that,
from his knowledge of the people in question, he could not agree that their presence
in Egvpt was necessary for the successful promulgation of the Constitution. He
would be sorry for Egypt if this were the case.
Mr. McNEILL read extracts from Lord Allenby's recent telegrams, showing
that the delay with regard to the Constitution was due to the King, and that Lord
Allenby himself was only anxious to produce a situation which would permit of
ZaghluLs return.
Before leaving, Mr. Spoor and Mr. Morel thanked Mr. McNeill for having
received them. _
Foreign Office, February 8, 1923.