II 6 ENGLAND, FRANCE, AND EGYPT. 



The first formal sitting of the Turkish and British Commissioners 

 took place on February 8th, actuated, as they mutually declared, with 

 a sincere desire for the establishment of permanent tranquillity and 

 order in Egypt, and for the welfare and prosperity of its people. 

 At this sitting, Sir Henry Drummond Wolif presented a document 

 which set forth a scheme for the neutralization of Egypt, and for the 

 defence of the Suez Canal ; but this scheme, necessarily implying an 

 International guarantee, was not favourably received by the leading 

 Governments of Europe, and it was withdrawn, and counter-proposals 

 of a very different character were submitted. Negotiations were 

 continued for three months, and finally, on the 23rd May, after 

 many conferences, many despatches, and much labour, the proposed 

 new Convention, consisting of Six Articles, was signed by the English 

 and Turkish Envoys, and the same day, the Draft of the New Con- 

 vention was submitted to the Sultan for his ratification. 



This proposed Convention was based on the recognition of, and 

 respect for, the rights of the Sultan as Suzerain of Egypt, and 

 naturally gave great satisfaction to the Sultan, Abdul Hamid, for it 

 was accepted by him as an evidence of the friendship of England. 



On May 26th, an official organ of the Turkish Government, called 

 the Tarik, wrote thus favourably of the Convention : — 



"The satisfactory termination of the negotiations is due to the moderation and 

 friendliness of both parties, and the good news must be hailed with pleasure on all 

 sides. The Porte's attitude throughout has been steadfastly based on principles of 

 equity and fairness, and these have been fully appreciated by the British Government, 

 which, on its side, has given renewed proof of honesty of purpose respecting the 

 inviolable rights of the Sultan over Egypt ; and it is a duty to recognise such just 

 dealing on the part of Englapd in the question. It serves to renew and strengthen 

 the traditional policy of England towards Turkey, and is a fresh pledge of the great 

 value of the services rendered before, and to be continued in future by a friendly 

 Power, always steadfast in its dealings and consistent in its policy." 



On June nth the subject was raised in the House of Lords, and 

 in the course of the debate, the Prime Minister indicated generally 

 the character of this Convention : — 



"We found," said the Marquis of Salisbury, "on our accession to Power, that 

 England's position in Egypt was surrounded with pledges to Europe ; that whilst 

 England disavowed a British Protectorate in Egypt ;' on the other hand, considering 

 the great sacrifices made, immediate evacuation was impossible, and that so long as 

 occupation in Egypt is unrecognised by any Convention with Turkey, and approved by 

 the Great Powers, our presence inspires disquietude throughout Europe." 



" The Government," said the Marquis of Salisbury, " agreed to the signing by Sir 

 Henry Drummond Wolff of the proposed Convention, because Her Majesty's Govern- 

 ment are desirous to recognise, and maintain the Authority of the Sultan on the one 

 band, and to remove anxiety in Europe on the other hand." 



