The ultimatum to Egypt after the murder of the Sirdar
had one weak spot—the clause asserting the right to an unreserved interception of the Nile for irrigating the Sudan. The excuse is that the ultimatum was drawn up in great haste. It has since been acknowledged by both statesmen and soldiers that the irrigation clause was a mistake. It was liable to the sinister interpretation that we• meant to starve the people of Egypt of their water supply as an act of revenge. Such a thought, of course, never entered the head of Englishman. Great Britain has now done the right thing in withdrawing the clause. An expert Committee has been appMnted with M. Cremers, the Dutch engineer, as Chairman, and including an Egyptian representative. No doubt, some proposal acceptable to all will emerge, as there is plenty of water for everybody. Although Great Britain has been right to give way handsomely in this matter, she has been just as right to refuse to consider Ziwar Pasha's protest against the newly-formed Sudan Defence Force. That Force is essential to the safety of the country.
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