File of printed papers marked 'Egyptian negotiation' between Curzon and Adly Pasha and the Egyptian delegation [‎79r] (157/178)

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“If Sarwat does not feel strong enough to alter or remove Soudan articles
of Constitution, it is not easy to see how to help him, and it seems to me that
nothing is to be gained by trying to induce him to remain in office.
“ It seems probable that King may nominate Tewfik Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. Nessim in
Sarwat’s place, and as things stand at present I am not disposed to endeavour to
influence His Majesty’s choice.
“ I propose, however, to speak sharply to King, pointing out to him
“ (1.) That he has allowed to become widespread belief that he regards with
favour a group who are our declared enemies;
“ (2.) That fact that he has used every means in his power to bring about
fall of a Government that enjoyed my support implies hostility to policy that
commanded sympathy of His Majesty's Government;
“ (3.) That I consider particularly unfortunate that his attitude should
have forced Government out of office at a moment immediately after assassina
tion of two members of a political party friendly to Sarwat; and
“ (4.) That in these circumstances it will be with considerable misgiving
that I shall watch development of policy for which His Majesty is responsible.
“ In a subsequent telegram I shall endeavour to explore believed implica
tions of Sarwat’s resignation."
60. The Sarwat Government, though supported by Lord Allenby, did not feel
able to stand up against the combined forces of the Palace and the Opposition, and
resigned office on the 29th November.
Nessim Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. becomes Prime Minister.
61. King Fouad had undoubtedly scored a signal success, which was made more
complete when Tewfik Nessim Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , who early in 1922 had become the King’s “ che:f
du cabinet,” formed a Government whose chief characteristic was that individual
Ministers were acceptable to their Sovereign if not otherwise specially qualified for
their position. . ,
62. Lord Allenby, whose support had not availed to prevent the tall ot the late
Government, had no part in the formation of that which is now in office, though he
has a high opinion of the present Prime Minister personally and is on good terms
with his colleagues. . >
63. In the meantime His Majesty’s Government were able to prevent the
despatch to the Egyptian Government of the invitation to the Lausanne Confeieni*.
until it was ascertained whether the Ministry^ of Nessim Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. would be prepared
to accept the Egyptian articles in the form agreed upon with Sarwat, Lord Allenby
immediately opened negotiations with the new Government, but up to the present
their fear of exposing themselves to hostile criticism by accepting anything less than
formulae likely to find favour with extreme Nationalist opinion has rendered any
agreement on this subiect impossible of attainment. In consequence, the issue of the
invitation to Egypt remains suspended.
Part III—The Soudan.
Reconquest and Anglo-Egyptian Convention of 1899.
64. When in 1898 the Soudan was rescued by an Anglo-Egyptian military
expedition from the barbarism into which the conquest of the Mahdi had plunged
the entire countrv, its status was determined by the convention concluded between
Great Britain and Egypt in 1899, establishing an Anglo-Egyptian condominium.
The terms of that instrument, which is reproduced as Appendix (C), show that the
British title was based on the right of conquest, and they are so drawn as to make
Great Britain the predominant partner in the Administration of the boudan. Ihe
Egyptian title is based partly upon the fact that the Soudan was an Egyptian
province wdiich had successfully rebelled, and partly upon the military and nnant ial
share taken by Egypt in its reconquest.
Why Egypt wants the Soudan.
65. There is no ethnical affinity between Egypt and the Soudan, and, though the
northern half of the latter country is populated by Mahommedan Arabs their aversion
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