Report of the Special Mission to Egypt under Lord Milner, and related papers [‎202v] (407/473)

4
should fall into the background, and said that he was prepared to efface himself
altogether, provided the main object could be achieved.
Tewfik Nessim, speaking personally, said he was in entire accord with the views
expressed by Adly Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. as to the existing Ministry. It had been appointed as a
Ministry of Affairs, and he had always held the view that when the time came for the
official negotiations to take place it should be replaced by a Ministry of stronger
political complexion. His own attitude in the matter was sufficiently explained by the
fact that when His Highness mentioned to him the possibility of assuming the
presidency The name given to each of the three divisions of the territory of the East India Company, and later the British Raj, on the Indian subcontinent. of the official delegation in June last (see my telegram No. G44 of the * 2 nd
July) he had declined the honour, and had pointed out that someone else should be
chosen.
Seeing that there seemed to be agreement between the views of Tewfik Nessim
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. as to the existing Ministry, it was suggested to both that a
meeting should* take place between the parties concerned with a view to arriving at a
combination which would meet the situation.
Both Pashas seemed to think such a meeting would be possible. Nothing further
was said, and Adly Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. and Tewfik Nessim Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. left the house in company.
Mr. belhy and Mr. Keown-Boyd immediately reported the result of the meeting
to me, and 1 decided that the time had come to propose this solution to the Sultan.
A note was accordingly drafted with a view to presentation to His Highness, suggesting
that a meeting be called of those persons whom His Highness had approached, with a
view to advising His Highness as to the measures to be taken to constitute the dele
gation in such a way as to fulfil the conditions laid down by His Majesty’s Government.
Subsequent to the preparation of this note, and before its presentation to the Sultan,
Sir Gilbert Clayton informed me that the Prime Minister had asked for an interview
with him and had elaborated his views. These views were, on investigation, found to
be not in disagreement in substance with those of Adly Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , which had in the mean
while been received in the memorandum copy of which is enclosed.
I accordingly decided to postpone making the suggestion of a meeting to His
Highness and to confine my action with His Highness to communicating to him a copy
of Adlv Pasha’s memorandum, informing him that L was in agreement with the plan
proposed therein, and suggesting that he should discuss it with the Prime Minister.
I relied on Tewfik Nessim Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. repeating to His Highness the views he had expressed
to Sir Gilbert Clayton, Mr. Selby and Mr. Keown-Boyd.
Accompanied by Mr. Scott, I informed His Highness accordingly on the morning
of the 6 th March.
His Highness agreed to consult the Prime Minister without further delay, but
pointed out that the proposal practically meant an Adly Cabinet, which would collapse
in a week, as Adly had no courage.
After this communication the Sultan resumed negotiations with the leaders, and
from unofficial information I received prospects seemed favourable to a settlement. On
Wednesday morning, the 9 th instant, however, I was informed that Mazloum Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders.
wished to consult me in regard to an obstacle which had arisen on which the Sultan
desired my advice.
Mazloum Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. came to the Besidencv and explained that the obstacle was the
position of Mohammed Said. The Sultan, he“ Sirri and Wahba Pashas were of opinion
that Mohammed Said should remain in Egypt in control of the Ministry during the
negotiations, as he was the only man with the necessary authority for this purpose.
Adly and Bouchdi Pashas were strongly opposed tp this. I informed Mazloum Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders.
that I was in agreement with the view of Adly and Rouchdi Pashas, and that if
Mohammed Said were included in the combination he should go to London as delegate.
Mazloum Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. went away seemingly satisfied with this decision, and I hoped that the
difficulty would be overcome. < i a • i a r
My reason fi r the advice I gave was that I did not trust Mohammed Said, and L
thought he would be a danger if left behind. .
On the following day it was necessary tor me to go to Port Said to dine with His
Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught. To my annoyance, I learned in conversation
with the Grand Chamberlain, Said Zulkifar Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , who had been invited to meet the
Duke, that a settlement had not been reached and that meetings were still taking place
at the palace, between the conflicting groups, Mazloum, Wahba and Sirry Pashas
supporting the candidature of Mohammed Said to the Presidency The name given to each of the three divisions of the territory of the East India Company, and later the British Raj, on the Indian subcontinent. of the Council ad
interim, while Adly and Rouchdi Pashas remained opposed to this proposal.
It seemed to me that some explanation was required from the Sultan as to why,
after asking my advice, he came to disregard it. I accordingly decided to as