A number of explanatory notes accompany these proposals, and we
regret the prospect of uncertainty from their nature. Lawyers and diplomatists know the danger of " inexact" drafting of intentions or aspirations in a legal document. How far are these notes binding ? What is the value of an "intention to maintain" British financial and other advisers ? Perhaps we should be glad that the return of the Egyptian troops to the Sudan is no more than a proposal to be examined sympathetically by us, for there we have our duty to protect the Sudanese. The Lower Egyptian has not yet shown that he has humane feelings for the Sudanese, and there is as yet no proof that our example has taught him anything in that way. The most heartless or most sentimental of those who decry British labours for the backward races can hardly shut his eyes to our responsibility there. The "little Englander" will see here a. "quitting" which will please him, the Jingo will see a chance of charging the Govern- ment with "scuttling." We hope that both will be disappointed. But first of all the proposals must pass the Egyptian Parliament, and they may. be wrecked there through the hostility of the Wafd to Malunud Pasha. He will have no easy task. He may even, before long, be wishing that he had the suppport of his very good friend, Lord Lloyd,
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