Rebellion and Independence 257
British Labour Party had succeeded to the traditions of
Liberalism in Egypt without as yet subscribing to its
transactions with its principles. A group of Labour
M.P.'s visited Egypt (October, 1921), and their ex-
cursion was exploited as a capital excuse for nationalist
demonstrations. It is interesting to remark that they
were everywhere presented to the public as f£ Liberals,"
and that their ingenuous inquiries as to practical
grievances were everywhere answered to the effect that
the grievance was the presence of British troops in
Egypt. Under these circumstances their attempts to end
the deadlock were fruitless. Adli resigned, and no Cabinet
could be formed to pass the treaty. Yet a restoration
of co-operation had somehow to be got in order to end
martial law and reduce the Wafd to its appropriate posi-
tion as an extremist Ginger Group.
Lord Allenby had by now begun to press privately for
an immediate and unconditional abolition of the Pro-
tectorate. He was, however, met by Foreign Office
futilities as to whether we had already given an f f under-
taking JJ or an " offer " to that effect. Meantime, affairs
in Egypt again became alarming. When Zaglul organ-
ised a great demonstration in Cairo (December 23, 1921)
it and all other political meetings had on police grounds
to be prohibited. Disorders thereupon broke out in
Cairo, and two British soldiers were murdered. In con-
sequence, Zaglul and other Wafdists were ordered under
martial law to desist from all political activity. They
defied the order and were deported, first to Suez and
then to Aden until their ultimate destination in Ceylon
or the Seychelles should be decided., Egypt at once
exploded in another frenzy of emotion for the * * blessed
Zaglul/' Rioting became general, railways were
damaged, wires destroyed, and another rebellion seemed