GIVE ME LIBERTY

Tomorrow the ultimatum of the British government to the Prime Minister of Egypt expires. If by seven o'clock steps have not been taken to stop the passage through the Egyptian legislature of the Assemblies Bill the bill which practically guarantees the Egyptian enemies of Britain free speech--the British government will take "such action as it sees fit." The British warships that have set sail from Malta with their destination unrevealed seem to show that Britain is anticipating serious trouble.

Following the Alexandria riots of 1921, when nearly a score of foreigners were killed, and sixty odd injured, England managed to patch up the affair in the 1922 Anglo-Egyptian pact, which terminated the British protectorate undertaken in 1914. From that time until the present, Egypt has been working for absolute independence. A sovereign state, Egypt wished the British restrictions removed, but Britain firmly insisted on her right to guard her communications of Empire and to protect foreigners.

In 1924 Sir Lee Stack was assassinated. Promptly the British government seized the Egyptian customs, asked, and received, indemnity. So the matter rested, apparently quiet, until the recent outbreak. That the fight for independence continues is demonstrated in the periodic stifling that the British apply to Egyptian politics. A few weeks ago an Egyptian cabinet resigned, unable to obtain its ends against British opposition. Today the same problem confronts the present government. Each successive ministry wants but one thing--Egyptian freedom.

Thus far the Lion's roar has tamed his whelps. Ireland, India, and Egypt have been reminded of their manners with no gentle cuffs. But the cubs are growing older and wiser, and though the Lion grants them petty liberties here and there, they are feeling their strength. Whether or not the strength of Egypt is as yet commanding is a question which only time and the British warships will solve.