I have to admit that I didn’t really think anything of the British Protectorate during World War I. I showed few signs of relentlessness, and I was able to tolerate the British
administrators as a wartime measure. However, there was soon talk from others about sending a Wafd, or delegation, to express our demands to the world at a peace conference. I soon heard of Saad Zaghlul, who became disillusioned with British rule, like many others, and put forth the
plan of creating a formal delegation. In fact, I even met Saad, for he became a lawyer like myself after studying law in France. When the British made allegations that the delegation did not represent all of the people, petitions began to circulate throughout Egypt, and about 100,00 people
signed, including myself, authorizing the Wafd to speak for them. I remember that just signing the petition made us feel somewhat involved in the independence struggle. Soon after, the British tried exiling Saad, and we became extremely infuriated. I went on strike along with other lawyers, judges, and government employees. Together, we looted shops, blew up railroad tracks, cut telegraph wires, and even burnt down buildings. Every time I think about the violent revolution, I realize how lucky I am to be alive, for dozens of rioters were killed, injured, or arrested daily. The British managed to put an end to the rebellion by reinforcing their police and sending Egypt General Edmund Allenby, who promptly called on Egyptians to negotiate steps to restore peace. All I knew was that the last thing I wanted was the British Protectorate to continue.
It was about two years ago that the British government realized that the Egyptian people would no longer accept its protectorate. Britain’s King Fuad appointed a new government headed by Adli Yakan, a rival of Saad Zaghlul. Saad himself returned from exile in Paris and we gave him a thunderous welcome. Saad stirred up demonstrations against Adli, believing that he alone could negotiate with the British. Meanwhile, Allenby tried to make a compromise that both sides would accept. Instead, the British exiled Saad for a second time, this time for more than a year. This action triggered new strikes and riots, for Saad had become to must of us Egyptians, a symbol of our national dignity.
Finally, on February 28, 1922, just over a year ago, the British government issued a formal statement ending its protectorate and declaring Egypt and independent sovereign state. But there were four points were left up for further discussion including the security of British Empire communications in Egypt, Egypt’s defense against foreign aggression or interference, the protection of foreign interests and minorities in Egypt, and finally, the status of the Sudan. We might not have obtained the complete independence demanded by the Wafd but it was still a huge step forward for Egypt as a whole.
Since then, a numerous amount of changes have taken place in the country both economically and culturally. First, and Egyptian capitalist named Talaat founded a giant financial institution, Bank Misr, which set up and financed an Egyptian-owned textile factory, the first step towards Egypt’s economic independence. Egypt has also made progress towards cultural independence. Egypt has become the leader of Arab pop culture. Recording studios have been opened and several film companies have produced silent movies. Arabic newspapers and magazines have increased rapidly in number, as well as more published books than in all other Arab capitals combined.
Although these cultural advances are important, I find political struggles to remain most important. There is still tension with the British, but they wish to resolve their political problems just as much as we do. Following Britain’s declaration of Egypt’s independence, a group of Egyptian scholars wrote a constitution that has finally been accepted by the Egyptian government last month. This has given me hope that our nation is on its way to complete independence. However, I have heard that King Faud refers to the document as, “that Communist Constitution,” despite the fact that it empowered him to appoint prime ministers, veto legislation, and dissolve parliament.
I can only hope that the British soon release the limits placed on our country’s independence. Both sides wish to resolve the political issues, but it seems to be so difficult to make an agreement. One thing is for sure, with both sides having opposing ideas and desires, it might be a very long time until an agreement is reached, or the British power is removed from Egypt.
