The New Rgime

The New Regime

British martial law, which has existed since Turkey's entrance into the War in 1914, came to an end. Thus the Egyptians have started to govern themselves.

The Egyptian Cabinet promulgated an Indemnity Act, which is designed to relieve persons from legal proceedings in consequence of their acts under British martial law. It gives the British Government the right to administer ex-enemy property in Egypt. Provision is made for the release of prisoners incarcerated under the martial law regime. Lastly, it confirms the British occupation of military and Air Force camps; this, however, is to be an object of final negotiation between the two countries. Election preparations for the first Parliament--the present Cabinet is only provisional--are under way. There are three principal parties: Liberal Constitutionalists, Nationalist Party, Zaghlulist Party. The first party, which, apparently, has the best chance, represents the landowning and wealthy classes; the second is an extremist party of no vital importance, except in that it claims its policy from Mustapha Kemal Pasha, Turkish Nationalist leader; the last represents the professional classes and is the most active. Strictly speaking, martial law in Egypt was not necessary after 1919, but was regarded as an expedient measure until the plans for forming a Government had been definitely fixed. British troops still occupy the country to guard communications considered indispensable by the Briteish Government. With the exception of the British advisers to the Egyptian Government, the country has definitely entered upon "complete mastery of its own house."