In the House of Commons on Monday the Prime Minister
gave a firm, though courteous, reminder to Zaghlul Pasha and all those who demand, not the Sudan for the Sudanese, but the Sudan for the Egyptians Zaghlul was so angry at the refusal of the British Govern- ment to hand over the Sudan to Egypt that he tendered his resignation, though when King Fuad refused to accept it he did not insist. After Mr. MacDonald had told the House of Commons that he had hoped that the questions still outstanding between independent Egypt and ourselves might have been settled between Zaghlul and himself, he expressed his regret " that statements had been made in the Egyptian Parliament and action taken to create trouble in the Sudan, which can only be explained as an attempt to force my hand, and to deprive Zaghlul Pasha of liberty to negotiate." In view of what had happened it had become necessary that he should make it clear to all concerned that " I do not believe this House will accept any arrangement which would break our pledges given to the Sudan or jeopardize the present administration and development of that country." Mr. MacDonald ended by declaring that he still trusted that those responsible for the government of both countries would refuse to give countenance to impossible demands which would destroy the prospects of such a settlement.
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