THE SUEZ CANAL [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sui,—I
am very glad to see in your article on, the Egyptian situation a definite suggestion that one factor in the solution of what may become a dangerous problem might well be the transference of the Stiez Canal to the guardianship of the League of Nations. A stranger to the history of our relations with Egypt would be astonished that we should make the demands of military control contained in the proposed treaty they are obviously inconsistent with that real national independence to which we profess to have been looking ever since we first interfered with Egyptian affairs.
Of course, history in large- measure justifies the terms pro- posed, however they may offend the national feelings and aspirations of the Egyptians themselves ; but the presence of British forces in Lower Egypt would become unnecessary if that waterway were internationalized. We can surely con- sent to do with the Stiez Canal what the Powers have done with the Kiel Canal and the waterway from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, and the mere doing of it would be a fine gesture both of our confidence in the League and of the sincerity of our promises to leave Egypt for the Egyptians. As matters stand we shall never clear out ; that would be a decisive step forward.
It is to be hoped that your suggestion will be seriously entertained by the Ministers who have to find the solution of a very perplexing situation without even the threat of resort to force.—I am, Sir, &c., W. STANLEY ANDERTON.
Wythburn, Shanklin Drive, Leicester.
[The suggestion we have made on several occasions is that the Suez Canal should be internationally guaranteed by the League of Nations.—En. Spectator.]
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