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ENGLAND, FRANCE, AND EGYPT. 



FROM 1839 TO 1889. 



It is a true saying, that " history repeats itself," and in looking back, 

 and considering the -relations of England and France, and other 

 European Powers, with regard to Egyptian afifairs, and especially the 

 relations of Egypt with its Suzerain the Porte, we find an emphatic 

 fulfilment of this declaration. 



In 1839, during the administration of Foreign Affairs by Lord 

 Palmerstoh (when it may be said that he exercised great influence in 

 Europe ; an influence, not so much dependent on physical force as on 

 moral power, against an unscrupulous Foreign Policy pursued by 

 one, if not more than one, ambitious Power in Europe), complica- 

 tions in the East, called for the exercise of great courage and con- 

 summate statesmanship. 



Mehemet AH, the Pasha of Egypt, was ambitious to be considered 

 a Sovereign Ruler, independent of the Sultan, and in 1838 he 

 repudiated the annual tribute to the Porte, assumed the ancient 

 rights of the Sultan, as Caliph and Chief of Islam, interfered in the 

 affairs of Syria and the Holy Places, and by his extensive military 

 and naval preparations, he roused the fears of every statesman 

 in Europe. 



At this juncture, a crisis arose in the East, intensified by the 

 danger of an armed interference by Russia, under the plea of 

 defending the integrity and independence of the Ottoman Empire, and 

 Lord Palmerston declared to the Turkish Government, with the 

 concurrence of France, that in the event of Mehemet Ali carrying 

 out his ambitious designs, and threatening Constantinople, inter- 

 vention by England on behalf of Turkey might be relied upon. ,2'''^ 



