Report of the Special Mission to Egypt under Lord Milner, and related papers [‎155v] (313/473)

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him to Zaghlul Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. and his friends. It was understood that they might make free
use of it in public discussion in Egypt. It was dated the 18th August and was in
the following terms : —
“ The accompanying memorandum is the result of conversations held in London
in June to August 1920 between Lord Milner and the members of the Special Mission
to Egypt, and Zaghlul Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. and the members of the Egyptian Delegation, in which
conversations Adli Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. also took part. It outlines a policy for the settlement of
the Egyptian question in the best interests both of Great Britain and Egypt.
“ The members of the Mission are prepared to recommend the British Government
to adopt the policy indicated in the memorandum, if they are satisfied that Zaghlul
Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. and the Delegation are likewise prepared to advocate it, and will use all their
influence to obtain the assent of an Egyptian National Assembly to the conclusion of
such a Treaty as is contemplated in Articles 3 and 4. *
“ It is clear that unless both parties are cordially united in supporting it, the
policy here suggested cannot be pursued with success.
(Signed) MILNER.
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Memorandum.
1- In order to establish the independence of Egypt on a secure and lasting basis,
it is necessary that the relations between Great Britain and Egypt should be
precisely defined, and the privileges and immunities now enjoyed in Egypt by the
capitulatory Powers should be modified and rendered less injurious to the interests
of the country.
“ 2. These ends cannot be achieved without further negotiations between
accredited representatives of the British and Egyptian Governments respectively
in the one case, and betwen the British Government and the Governments of the
capitulatory Powers in the other case. Such negotiations will be directed to arriving
at definite agreements on the following lines :—
3.—(i.) As between Egypt and Great Britain a Treaty will be entered into,
under which Great Britain will recognise the independence of Egypt as
a constitutional monarchy with representative institutions, and Egypt
will confer upon Great Britain such rights as are necessary to safeguard
her special interests and to enable her to furnish the guarantees which
must be given to foreign Powers to secure the relinquishment of their
capitulatory rights.
(ii.) By the same Treaty, an alliance will be concluded between Great Britain
and Egypt, by which Great Britain will undertake to support Egypt in
defending the integrity of her territory, and Egypt will undertake, in
case of war, even when the integrity of Egypt is not affected, to render to
Great Britain all the assistance in her power, within her own borders,
including the use of her harbours, aerodromes and means of communica
tion for military purposes.
“ 4. This Treaty will embody stipulations to the following effect :—
(i ) Egypt will enjoy the right to representation in foreign countries. In the
absence of any duly-accredited Egyptian representative, the Egyptian
Government will confide its interests to the care of the British
representative. Egypt will undertake not to adopt in foreign countries
an attitude which is inconsistent with the alliance or will create difficul
ties for Great Britain, and will also undertake not to enter into any
agreement with a foreign Power which is prejudicial to British interests.
(ii ) Egypt will confer on Great Britain the right to maintain a military force
on Egyptian soil for the protection of her Imperial communications.
The Treaty will fix the place where the force shall be quartered and will
regulate any subsidiary matters which require to be arranged. The
presence of this force shall not constitute in any manner a military
occupation of the country, or prejudice the rights of the Government of
Egypt.
(iii.) Egypt will appoint, in concurrence with His Majesty’s Government, a
Financial Adviser, to whom shall be entrusted in due course the powers
at present exercised by the Commissioners of the Debt, and who will be
at the disposal of the Egyptian Government for all other matters on which
they may desire to consult him.