Correspondence with A J Balfour, Sir R Wingate, Lord Allenby, Lord Milner and others on Egypt [‎9v] (18/300)

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Sir E. Wingate to Mr. Balfour—{Received December 7.)
( N °. 1813.) n . n , ^ 1( no
(Telegraphic.) Cairo, December o, 1 Jib.
MY telegram No. 1810. ,
I have received an intimation from Sultan that Rushdy has as^ed His Highness
for an official acceptance of his resignation, and I have been shown draft of proposed
letter in reply, which is merely a formal acceptance.
I have advised that Sultan should not sign this letter earlier than Saturday next,
before which date I hope to receive any instructions you may wish to give on my
telegram No. 1810.
No. 9.
Mr. Balfour to Sir R. Wingate.
(No. 1509.)
/TVWrflnhic 1 Foreign Office, December 11, 1918.
YOUR telegram No. 1810 of 4th December.
I regret resignations of two Ministers, whose services to Egypt during a difficult
period are fully appreciated by His Majesty’s Government, and have received due
recognition by the signal mark of favour bestowed on them by the King.* Such
precipitate action on their part is not easily reconciled with the full sense or their grave
responsibilities. The request to postpone their visit implied no slight, but was, on the
contrary, inspired by the desire to consult their convenience and interests. I am leaving
for Paris shortly accompanied by Lord Hardinge and other members ol my staff. Ihe
duration of my absence from London is uncertain, but it may be prolonged. It would
be useless for Egyptian Ministers to come here, and for an indefinite period wait until
I can say approxinaately when my return will take place, nor would such a course be
consistent with their position and dignity. It is obvious that any discussions on Egyptian
internal reforms must take place in London and not in Paris, for it concerns Great
Britain and not her Allies. No question “ vital to Egyptian interests will be raised
at the Paris Conference, excepting that of the establishment of the British protectorate,
which the Allied Powers have already recognised, and which enemy Powers will be
required to accept. I do not gather that it is opposed by any responsible Egyptian
authority, and the Sultan is firmly pledged to it. I can, therefore, only repeat that His
Maiestv’s Government will welcome presence here, at earliest date which can
conveniently be arranged, ot the Sultan and of Ministers or other responsible Egyptians
who wish to express their views, and that they will be assured of a thorough and
sympathetic hearing. More than tins cannot reasonably be asked or conveniently
granted ^ . .
It is difficult at this distance of time to fix the date for the suggested visit with
onv precision. But it could hardly be before the middle of March next. In order not
to waste time in aimless discussions, it is desirable that the proposals then put forward
should represent the considered view's of the Sultan and Ministers as a whole, and
should have received your consideration before they reach His Majesty s Government.
Their preparation might, therefore, be taken in hand at once.
I. do not understand allusion to a tk public declaration in Rushdy Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. s letter.
The Sultan has not been asked to make any such declaration, but only to give an
unmistakable indication that he shares your attitude in disapproving the extremist
agit ition. He could do by sending for extremist leaders, and intimating to them that,
by their present agitation, they are rendering a real disservice^ to Egypt.’ this or
similar action would certain!v have been'taken by His Highness predecessor, and we
count on an equal measure of support from the present Sultan.
* ftuslidy P»sha has received the G.C.M.G. [Knight] Grand Cross of [the Order of] St Michael and St George (accolade). , Adly Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. the K.C.M.G.