Correspondence with A J Balfour, Sir R Wingate, Lord Allenby, Lord Milner and others on Egypt [‎13r] (25/300)

always understood our intention was, when a convenient time came, to issue
something of the nature of Firman A Persian word meaning a royal order or decree issued by a sovereign, used notably in the Ottoman Empire (sometimes written ‘phirmaund’). to Sultan, in which position would be defined
somewhat more clearly than was the case in communication addressed to Sultan
Hussein on his accession.
No. 18.
Sir E. Wingate to Earl Curzon.—(Received January 18.)
(No. 89.)
(Telegraphic.) Cairo, January 16, 1919.
I HAVE had several interviews with Sultan and two Ministers in endeavour to
arrive at solution of crisis on line laid down in your telegram No. 1596.
It has already become clear that anti-protectorate sentiment was being fomented
by Turkish party acting in the name of ex-Khedive. Sultan represented this fact to
me very strongly, and I considered it necessary to publish proclamation vesting
Khedivial estates in Government, and stating in recitals exclusion of Abbas and his
sons from succession. I believe that this authoritative action has encouraged Sultan to
adopt a firmer tone, and has helped to diminish influence of extremists.
I have had great difficulty with Ministers. The}'- have held most tenaciously to
the view that, even if they went to London, they would have to resign again later,
unless they could obtain some measure of popular support. They insisted that
Nationalist leaders would always be able to outbid them, unless they too were allowed
to go to England and be discredited by their failure to gain a hearing from His
Majesty’s Government. I had already informed Ministers that I myself had been
summoned by you to discuss Egyptian affairs, that you had made a large concession,
and that it’was their plain duty to accept invitation now extended to them. Sultan
used similar language.
Finally, Ministers made following proposal :—
They said that they were most desirous to accept our suggestions and work for a
liberal definition of protectorate, to which they were entirely loyal. They had no
doubt that satisfactory agreement would be easy, but their position here would
be hopeless unless Saad Zaghlul were shown to be incapable of redeeming his
promises. To attain this end it was, in their opinion, essential for him and his
associates to leave Egypt and return empty-handed. They pleaded it was only
necessary to grant passports to members of Nationalist deputation who applied for
them individually. They quite understood no Nationalist could be officially received,
and for their part they wished nothing better.
Rushdy and Adly Pashas begged me, therefore, as I was going home, to lay their
case personally before you, and explain their difficulties, and I agreed to do so. I
think two Ministers are sincere, and I hope that point of relaxation of military regulations
in favour of extremists is one which you will be able to negotiate. No action is necessary
until my arrival. Refusal to accept Ministers’ resignations has no doubt had a good
effect, and intervening period has shown Government will be carried on, if necessary,
without an Egyptian Cabinet. But though ordinary administration continues without
inconvenience, reconstructive work will be seriously interrupted if present situation is
prolonged. Capitulations Commission is unable to sit, and absence of Adly has stopped
progress of important sub-commission on local government.
Real co-operation with leading Egyptians has, in fact, become an essential part of
our machinery, and 1 trust that you will consider very carefully method of conciliation,
which I have now advanced after prolonged discussion, and in agreement with my
principal advisers.
No. 19.
Sir M. Cheetham to Earl Curzon.—(Received February 4.)
(No. 182.)
(Telegraphic.) Cairo, February 3, 1919.
ADMINISTRATION has continued without serious inconvenience during last
fortnight, and in some cases the Council of Ministers has taken decisions by method of
circulation of papers for signature to which resort is frequently made in normal
circumstances. (Otherwise Prime Minister and Adly Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. are taking no part in
public business, but are anxiously awaiting a decision which will permit them to leave
Egypt.
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