Correspondence with A J Balfour, Sir R Wingate, Lord Allenby, Lord Milner and others on Egypt [‎13v] (26/300)

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There has been no question of disturbance of public order, and doings of extremists
probably excite less interest now than was the case a few weeks ago. Saad Zaghlul
recently issued invitations to 600 people, whom he proposed to address in tents
adjoining his house in Cairo. As a gathering on this scale constituted a public
meeting the military authorities, at my request, required him to countermand invitations.
There is nothing else of interest to report except tendency to friction between Saad
Zaghlul and old Nationalists.
No. 20.
Sir M. Gheetham to Earl Curzon.—(Received February 8.)
(No. 206.)
(Telegraphic.) Cairo, February 6, 1919.
OUR telegram No. 89.
On 4th instant the Prime Minister came to ask an early decision as to considera
tion which he had laid before High Commissioner prior to his departure from Egypt.
He begged me to telegraph saying his position was a very difficult one, and that he
had shown proof of goodwill by again taking some part in public business.
1 said I would forward his message, but it was perhaps too early to expect an
immediate answer.
No. 21.
Earl Curzon to hir M. Cheetham.
(No. 200.)
(Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, February 13, 1919.
YOUR telegram No. 206 : Egyptian political situation.
Question is being considered in consultation with Sir R. Wingate, and decision
will shortly be communicated to you.
No. 22.
Earl Curzon to Sir M. Gheetham.
(No. 268.) .
(Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, February 26, 191'.).
MY telegram No. 200.
I have carefully considered, in communication with Sir R. Wingate, the question
of the visit to England of Rushdy Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , and Adly Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , and of Saad Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. Zaghlul,
and the other Nationalist leaders.
I understand the two Ministers do not desire to proceed here unless the Nationalist
leaders are also allowed to come, and that their attitude in the matter is approved by
the Sultan.
It must, however, be remembered that these Nationalist leaders, who, wuth the
possible exception of Abdul Az.iz Rey Fahmy, appear to be men of doubtful standing
and antecedents, have openly placed themselves at the head of a disloyal movement to
sever the connection between Egypt and the protecting Powder, and have in furtherance
of their aims organised an agitation throughout the country causing petitions to be
signed and subscriptions be raised in support of it. In the circumstances, to facilitate
their journey to England by relaxing the existing restrictions on travelling, or to go
further by receiving tliem at the Foreign Office if they came, would imply a measure of
countenance arid recognition to which they are certainly not entitled, and of which, if
conceded, they would be likely to make the same illegitimate use that they did of their
original reception at the 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. . It has been suggested that they should be allowed
to come here, but should be coldly received, and should not be granted an interview at
the Foreign Office. Although I understand that this suggestion has the approval of
the Sultan and Ministers, I am not inclined to view it with favour. I should add that
it is difficult to admit that Egyptian Ministers, invited by His .Majesty’s Government
to visit this country, should be allowed to dictate the terms upon which they are
prepared to come. His Majesty’s Government therefore adhere to the attitude which
they had previously adopted on this question.