1891] On the Evacuation of Egypt 61 



sources. Her Majesty's Government have disclaimed all idea of an- 

 nexing Egypt or of establishing a Protectorate over it.' 



" This language was approved by Salisbury, and was a deliberate 

 renewal in the face of Europe of the pledges given in 1881. Salisbury 

 undertook to ' guarantee the neutralization of Egypt as the mandatory 

 of the other Powers, that duty being regarded as a burden rather than 

 a privilege.' The great mischief, as you properly point out, is that 

 since that period the policy of Evelyn Baring has been to administer 

 the Government of Egypt in such a manner as to make it constantly 

 less instead of more able to stand by itself, and so to make the task of 

 fulfilling our obligation more rather than less difficult. 



" I hope by this time you are enjoying your wild life in the desert. 

 We are raising our rural tribes here, who are rallying round the Mahdi 

 Schnadhorst — but I forgot you have sworn off British Politics, a wise 

 determination to which I advise you to adhere. 



" Yrs. sincerely, 

 "W. V. Harcourt." 



This is a very important letter, as it indicates doubtless what Mr. 

 Gladstone's view at the time was, for Sir William Harcourt and he 

 worked together on questions of foreign policy. It is also of im- 

 portance as showing that John Morley then shared their opinion. It 

 was a combination of Baring, and of Milner, acting under his direction 

 on the London Press, with Rosebery, that prevented an honest solution 

 of the Egyptian question when the Liberals, shortly afterwards, re- 

 turned to power. 



