MONSTROUS BARBARISM
AT the time of writing the exact extent of the expulsion orders made by the Egyptian authorities against British and French nationals and people of Jewish extraction is still uncertain. The first reports of a generally enforced exodus of the 13,000 British residents in Egypt may have been exagger- ated, but there is no doubt that many such orders have been made—some of them against families who have lived in Egypt for generations. Moreover, most of those affected are Cypriots or Maltese whose entire livelihood depends on their businesses in Egypt. To allow them only to take twenty Egyptian pounds with them is inhuman as well as contrary to recognised inter- national practice. Behind this gross breach of international law may lie the idea that the property confiscated can be held against sterling balances blocked in London, but Colonel Nasser should recognise that it is a dangerous card to play. To shock world opinion and irritate Britain and France beyond endurance would be to throw away much of the ground gained for him by his skilful diplomatic tactics. To succumb to a wild impulse of retaliation has never yet paid off in foreign affairs, and to revenge oneself on innocent and helpless people is monstrous barbarism. It has always been an Islamic tradition to respect guests even in time of war. Colonel Nasser should stick to this example.
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