As we are responsible for the peace and prosperity of
Egypt, Lord Allenby's firm action must be approved. Zaghlul and the fanatics in his pay could not be allowed to terrorize the country. Yet it has to be admitted that the return to the old-fashioned method of governing Egypt contrasts oddly with Lord Milner's offer, last year, of virtually all that the wildest Egyptian Nationalist could desire in the shape of " self-determination." For this sudden swing of the pendulum from the one policy to the other the Government at home are, of course, responsible. Even if the Egyptians were a highly educated people, with great political experience, they might be excused for showing surprise and indignation at the Govern- ment's sudden change of front. The May riots, of course, showed that Egypt was no more fit to govern herself than the Philippines are, but no serious person who knew Egypt ever held any other opinion. The worst of it is that to-morrow or next week the Government may suddenly go on the other tack and revert to. Lord Milner's scheme. The moderate Egyptian politicians, if there are any, cannot repose much confidence in our Cabinet.
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