Zaghlul Departs

"What terrible weather you English have," said Egyptian Premier Zaghlul Pasha to Premier MacDonald.

"Yes," replied MacDonald, "the political elements always get aroused about this time of the year."

"I think I must go now. Your soldiers in Cairo will be expecting me back."

"Well, I'm terribly sorry I couldn't do anything for you. Come again sometime when we're having better weather."

It was reported from London that the Anglo-Egyptian conversations* between Premier MacDonald and Zaghlul (TIME, Oct. 6) had broken down. The latter was unable to obtain any concessions from the British Premier, so, "in view of the inclement weather and in anticipation of the meeting of the Egyptian Parliament in November," Egypt's Premier decided to quit Britain's shores.

It was generally assumed, owing to the uncertainty with which the British political situation was fraught, that Premier MacDonald was unwilling to make any promises in connection with a modification of British policy in Egypt or with a revision of the Anglo-Egyptian condominium of the Sudan. This implied that the next Government might not recognize any arrangements made by him.

*The conversations were suggested only for an official exchange of views, which were expected to form a basis for an Anglo-Egyptian conference.