EGYPT'S DISMISSED OFFICIALS' SIR,—May I bring to your 'notice that
no indemnity has yet been paid to the British teachers, university lecturers and officials illegally dismissed without notice in December, 1951, by the Egyptian Govern- ment as reprisals for action taken by the British Army at that time in the Canal Zone.
While negotiations were going on between the British and Egyptian governments these dismissed officials were advised that it was too delicate a time to press claims to the Egyptian government.
The treaty was negotiated and signed in October, 1954, and then it was promised that indemnity would be paid.
To date the claims have not been presented, and no action has been taken to expedite the matter by the British Embassy in Cairo or by the Foreign Office to my knowledge.
Many of these people are in grave financial dilliculties due to the sudden termination of their 'permanent' situation as government officials after many years' service, some with children to educate.
With this situation existing, I am informed that the British Council is about to entertain number of Egyptian teachers in England at an expenditure of £52,000 of Government money.
Is this justified?—Yours faithfully,
DOROTHY GINGER
(one of the dismissed officials and for 16 years on the 'permanent list' of government officials) Hotel Rite, 15 Place Vend6me, Paris