Correspondence with A J Balfour, Sir R Wingate, Lord Allenby, Lord Milner and others on Egypt [‎7v] (14/300)

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opposition to extremists, another group has emerged, headed by Prince Omar I oussoun
and Mohammed Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. Said, which professes Nationalist ideals under some form of
British protectorate. It is said to have Turkish leanings, and to desire reform on
oriental lines, but I have no information of existence of a definite programme. Sultan
of Egypt, on his own initiative, prevented Prince Omar Toussoun from attending a
meeting to inaugurate this party, for which Prince had issued a large number of.private
invitations. I have seen Mohammed Said,* who hopes, of course, to return to office
himself, and, though he describes Zaghlul’s agitation as dangerous, he no doubt wishes
to use it to upset present Ministry. It is not clear at present what support he can rely
on, and there is some evidence that certain of his adherents have joined extremists.
Other information seems to show that the two factions are part of same movement.
Extremists have now formed themselves into a committee of fourteen, whose names
are given in my telegram immediately following. Names have been communicated to
me by Zaghlul with a written request that persons indicated may he provided with
permits to proceed to England at once. Under existing regulations permits are granted
by militar}'' authorities on production of urgent reasons for travel. At meeting
reported in my telegram above mentioned I made no promise to facilitate journey of
Zaghlul and his friends, only stating that they were at liberty to put forward their
views in London in their own way. In the meantime they have been engaged in
developing an organisation of which our knowledge is imperfect, and 1 cannot recom
mend their departure to Commander-in-chief without your express sanction. I still
think it advisable that as soon as restrictions on travel are removed a hearing should
be given in London to any Egyptian politicians who wish to address themselves directly
to Foreign Office. Since my interview with them I learn that Zaghlul and Abdel
Aziz Fahmy are taking advantage of the fact that they were received at Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. to
represent their movement as a lawful one which there can be no harm in joining, while
they simultaneously appeal to extreme nationalist sentiment.
There are indications of an organised campaign directed against the Protectorate.
We know, for instance, that circulars have been issued, that attempts have been made
to interfere with pupils in the schools, and that a wave of political feeling is being
artificially engendered. In the circumstances I have given instructions that no kind
of public meetings or demonstrations are to be allowed, and that distribution of
circulars is to be suppressed. I have also warned Rushdy Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. that the present
movement is technically a seditious one, and if it develops might have to be treated as
seditious. Mr. Haines has sent for several prominent members of Nationalist Com
mittee, and explained to them that under martial law they will be held responsible for
the least disturbance due to their propaganda. * I think these steps will have a
moderating effect.
List of committee does not impress me very much. They are most of them known
Nationalists, but Aly Sharawy and two others belonged to party of people. Most
important are Zaghlul, Ismail Sidky, Mohammed Mahmud, and Abdel Aziz Fahmy.
First two of these are disappointed politicians who would probably accept office on our
terms, but are barred by their personal antecedents. Third is a dismissed Mudir, whose
maladministration in Behera is still subject of enquiry by military authorities. Abdel
Aziz Fahmy is a man of much higher character and reputation. He showed signs of
working with us some time ago, but has been carried away by ideas of self-determina
tion and become an enthusiast ready to accept even perpetuation of Capitulations which
he understands would inevitably result from success of his policy.
Taking the list as a whole I cannot regard men included in it as in any way
representative of sounder elements of Egyptian opinion.
* Mohammed Said Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. was formerly Prime Minister.
No. 3.
Sir F. Wingate to Mr. Balfour.—(Received November 26.)
(No. 1752.)
(Telegraphic.) Cairo, November 25, 1918.
MY immediately preceding telegram.
Committee is composed of following persons, all of whom are known to Sir B.
Graham :—
1. Saad Zaghlul Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , Vice-President of Legislative Assembly.
2. Aly Sharawy Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , Member of Legislative Assembly.
3. Mohammed Mahmud Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , ex-Mudir of Behera.