I'ME MARlTllviE CANAL O^ SUEl . 271 



the European Powers, and, with the exception of Turkey, was uncon- 

 ditionally accepted by all. The position taken up by the Ottoman 

 Porte was persistent, and in one sense, consistent with its position as 

 the Suzerain Power, for her acceptance was on this condition : " That 

 the Porte will have full right to take all measures which may be 

 necessary for the defence of Egypt, either against a belligerent State, 

 or, if need be, in Egypt itself." But this reservation was impossible 

 of acceptance, as it would have been irreconcileable with the 

 paramount object in view, the Neutrality of the Isthmus, and the 

 Canal of Suez. 



Finally, on the 17th March, 1885, the following Declaration was 

 agreed to, by common consent, between the Governments of Great 

 Britain, Germany, Austria, Hungary, France, Italy, Russia, and 

 Turkey : — 



" Whereas, the Powers have agreed to recognise the urgent necessity for 

 negotiating with the object of sanctioning, by a Conventional Act, the establish- 

 ment of a definite regulation guaranteeing at all times, and, for all Powers, the 

 freedom of the Suez Canal. 



" It has been agreed between the Governments above-named, that a Commission 

 composed of Delegates, named by the said Governments, shall meet at Paris 

 on the 30th March, to prepare and draw up this Act, taking for its basis the 

 circular of the Government of Her Britannic Majesty, of the 3rd January, 1883. 



" A Delegate of His Highness the Khedive shall sit on the Commission, with 

 a consultative voice. 



"The draft drawn up by the Commission shall be submitted to the said 

 Governments, who will then take measvtres to obtain the accession of the other 

 Powers. 



" The Undersigned, Plenipotentiaries of Great Britain, Germany, Austria, 

 Hungary, France, Italy, Russia, and Turkey, furnished with the necessary 

 powers, declare by these presents that their respective Governments mutually 

 engage to observe the foregoing stipulations. 



" In witness thereof the undersigned have signed the present 

 declaration, and affixed thereto the seal of their Arms. 

 " Done at London, 17th March, 1885. 



" Signed 



" GRANVILLE. 

 " MUNSTER. 



" kArolyi. 

 " waddington. 



" NIGRA. 

 " STAAL. 

 " MUSURUS." 

 Again, and notwithstanding the signature of the Turkish Ambas- 

 sador, Musurus Pasha, to the Declaration of the Powers taking part 



