Correspondence with A J Balfour, Sir R Wingate, Lord Allenby, Lord Milner and others on Egypt [‎10r] (19/300)

7
No. 10.
Sir 77. Wingate to Mr. Balfour .— (Received December 19.J
(No. 1900 .) ,
(Telegraphic.) Cairo, December 18, 1918.
[ VISITED the Sultan in the afternoon of the 12th and communicated to him
contents of your telegram No. 1509. I pointed out that present situation had arisen
owing to attempt by Rushdy and Adly Pashas to obtain from His Majesty’s
Government a decision on matters which could not profitably be discussed immediately ;
and 1 urged that it was now incumbent on His Highness and on all reasonable
Egyptians to accept advice of His Majesty’s Government in practical and sympathetic
spirit in which it was given.
His Highness warmly defended resignation of his two Ministers and maintained
that, in view of state of Egyptian feeling, they could not have acted otherwise. A
. national sentiment and desire for self-determination were present among Egyptians, and
• * latter’s political aspirations, even though their full satisfaction was impossible, required
early and careful consideration by His Majesty’s Government. The small distinction
His Highness made between the views of the two Ministers and those of extremists
indicated how little he had appreciated changed status of Egypt since declaration of
Protectorate ; and my statement that latter had already been accepted by Allies and
wouid have to be recognised by enemy Powers w r as obviously a blow to him. He did
not conceal his personal apprehensions of the future, and declared that it was impossible in
present circumstances for him to send for extremists as suggested by you. He did not
think two Ministers would withdraw their resignations, or that, without them, an
efficient Cabinet could be formed. His Highness was very agitated throughout the
interview, and towards the end showed marked depression. All my arguments failed to
modify his opinions, although I impressed upon him seriousness of differing from the
very carefully considered advice which His Majesty’s Government had tendered, both
in his own interest and that of his country.
Before taking leave I suggested that he should summon Rushdy and Adly, and
lay the facts of situation before them, without mention of fears he had expressed to me,
which I considered might unfavourablv influence their decision. He promised to do so.
On the morning following I received a message from His Highness to say that the
two Ministers had refused to withdraw their resignations, and had again begged His
Highness formally to accept them. I desired His Highness to postpone his acceptance
until I had time to refer question to you.
Later in the day, 1 received Rushdy Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , who had sent me the same morning a
note, text of which is as follows :—
4 f . “ Le protectorat est une etiquette. II peut deguiser une annexion pure et simple,
comme il peut exister en une suprematie conciliant les interests de la Puissance protectrice
avec les droits du pays protege. Comme simple particulier, je puis subir n’importe quel
proteetorat. Comme homme public, il m’est impossible de prendre une responsabilit^
' * dans I’etablissement ou la conservation d’un protectorat qui n’assurerait pas en meme
temps a mon pays un regime conforme a ses interets tel que je les concois ; or, j’aurais
assume cette responsabilite si, an moment ou le Gouvernement britannique va faire
definitivement reconnaitre par les Puissances son protectorat sur Tfigypte, jene lui
avais pas demande de conferer avec lui sur le regime de ce protectorat; j’ajoute que je
ne cesse pas d’etre interesse a cette question a ce moment meme. •
“ J’ai demande a etre recu avec mon colleague Adly Pacha, non pour discuter des
reformes admiuistratives, mais pour arriver a une determination du statut du protectorat.
Une question de cette importance ne peut 6tre utilement discutee que directement avec
les autorites investies a cet egard d’un pouvoir de decision.
“ A mon avis, son Excellence le Sous-Secretaire d’Etat aurait pu nous recevoir a
cet effet, m£me a Paris. Il n’est jamais entre dans nos vues de saisir de nos demandes
la Conference de la Paix, nous avons toujours entendu nous adresser au Gouvernement
britannique lui-meme.
“ Nous n’avons jamais vu dans la reponse qui nous a ete faite une cause de froisse-
ment, mais seulement un empechement a I’accomplissement de ce que nous considerons
comme un devoir ; e’est pour cela que nous avons ete amenes a donner notre demission
et que nous nous trouvons obliges de la maintenir.”
I considered it inadvisable to telegraph above facts to you until I had had time
further to examine the situation. Results of this investigation I will give you in my
telegram immediately following.