LORD ALLENBY’S STATEMENT

FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. CAIRO, Thursday.

Special interest attaches to the tour just made by Viscount Allenby in the Soudan, owing to the belief that he was only induced to absent himself for six weeks from Egypt at this still critical period because he was convinced of the necessity of allaying the apprehension aroused in the minds of the natives of the Soudan by the intensive campaign in the Egyptian newspapers preaching the “inviolable unity” of Egypt and the Soudan. The Soudanese were becoming restive, fearing an alteration in the present control and administration, and this feeling was officially expressed in the memorandum recently presented to the Governor-general by the members of the Soudan delegation which went to London in 1919.

The High Commissioner received me at the Residency this morning. He spoke cheerfully and with the utmost confidence of the present condition of the Soudan, stating that he was fully satisfied in every respect with the results of his visit. With the aid of a map on his study wall, Lord Allenby explained in detail his itinerary, which extended as far south as Rejaf. He also visited Sennar, the Makwar dam works and the Nubar mountains. With reference to the last-named Lord Allenby said:

In the Nubar Mountains about 2,000 people came in; at Talodi, representing the population from some twelve different hills, many speaking different languages. On arrival in the Soudan I sent messages to the governors of provinces stating that I desired to see the notables. Great numbers came at each stopping-place, and I had good accounts from all of them. I am satisfied that everything is going on well there. All the people seemed very cheerful and contented, greeting us with dances and other native entertainments. You must remember that there you are not dealing with gentlemen in tall hats and frock coats. These men have their little faction fights and minor grievances, but there is no big trouble in the country.