Report of the Special Mission to Egypt under Lord Milner, and related papers [‎16r] (31/473)

3
As you are aware, this has already occurred since the draft agreement has appeared in
British newspapers, and is apparently accepted by the general public as being an
expression of the policy of His Majesty’s Government.
2. The draft agreement, if confirmed, must have a far-reaching effect on the
military situation of the British Empire, since, as I have stated in previous papers,
Egypt is the “ Clapham Junction” of Imperial communications. There also arises the
question of access to the Sudan, which presumably would not be united to Egypt if and
when the latter country receives-its independence. So far as I am aware the General
Staff have not in any way been consulted as to the military effect of the proposal
contained in the draft Memorandum, and this aspect of the question appears to have
been overlooked, or was considered to be adequately safeguarded by paragraph 3 (ii)
and 4 (ii).
Whether this is the case would undoubtedly depend very largely on the
interpretation given to the paragraphs in question, and I would urge that in the event
of the acceptance of the Agreement in principle by the Government, the fighting
services be given full opportunity of expressing their views on the vital questions dealt
with in these two paragraphs.
H. W.
25th August, 1920.
(ii.)
MEMORANDUM BY THE CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF.
Secretary of State.
The changed status of Egypt, if the Times reports are true, is causing me
considerable anxiety.
The matter is intimately bound up with our development and our programme for
next year; for example, we are relying on Egypt to assist us in training personnel for
our five reserve squadrons, and are proposing to start on a large rigid airship base in
the country.
The Air Force has a peculiar interpst in Egypt, and I hope the new policy of the
Government will not undo the work of construction to which we are committed.
Owing to the pressure of work I have not had time to submit this draft quite in
the form that I should have liked, or to examine it sufficiently carefully, as this would
have taken some little time, but in view of your request and the urgency of the matter
I venture to submit it.
H. Trenchard.
Air Ministry.
25th August, 1920.
Air Staff Notes on the Effect of the New Status of Egypt.
As far as can be ascertained from newspaper reports it is proposed to recognize the
independence of Egypt in amity and association with the British Empire. From an
Imperial defence point of view the most important items in the proposed treaty
appear to be :—
(1.) The maintenance of a small British garrison (the figure 3,000 is mentioned) in
the Canal zone, which thus becomes a British enclave An area of land belonging to one country and entirely surrounded by land of just one other country. .
(2.) The guarantee by Great Britain of Egypt’s integrity against outside aggression.
(3. The recognition by Egypt of Great Britain's privileged position in the Valley
of the N ile.
(4. In the case of war, Great Britain to have every facility and access to Egyptian
territory.
(5.) The abolition of the capitulations. Under these foreigners in Egypt have the
right to investigation and trial by their own Governments. The new
proposal appears to entrust the interests of all foreigners to the British
High Commissioner.
(6.) The exclusion of the Sudan.