Reports and papers of the Egyptian Administration Committee [‎27r] (53/108)

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Departments rould have greatly objected to
tne Head of one Department being placea in this
supreme position end being able to settle finally
t-ne various departmental questions which might be at
issue between_ them* Sir K. K6Mahon T s intention v;as
reported by Sir M# Chectham privately to the Foreign
Ofiice m October last but as in the meantime ho had
been recalled and his successor did not share his views,
the matter was allowed to drop. I cite it as an
instance of the difficulties attending a change in
present arrangements.
(3) Such a drastic change as is implied in a
severance of Egypt from the Foreign Office during war
time would be generally regarded, especially in
native circles, either as evidence 01 serious dis
satisfaction with the manner in which affairs have
been conducted or as forecasting a change of policy.
(4) Mr. Balfour asked me whether in my opinion
tne internal political situation in Egypt would be one
of greet difficulty as soon as the war ended. My
considered reply would be that it will certainly oe
more difficult than it is at present, but that it ought
not to be so difficult as when under the regime of
Lord Cromer, Sir E. Gorst and Lord Kitchener, the
Nationalist forces and Press were receiving open
encouragement and financial support from tne Palace.
Our future relations with the native population of Egypt
will, in my^belief. depend very greatly on the manner
and spirit in which the inevitable problems are tackled
at the end of the war and the personal relations which
can be established with the Sultan, Ministers and
leading Egyptian notables.
Yours sincerely,
(Sd) R* Graham*