The last of these heads should be especially interesting to
Britain, because in the last resort the Capitulations which now so seriously hamper administrative and judicial reform in Egypt rest upon the Capitulation Treaties with Turkey, as that is their source of origin. Since Egypt now fulfils all the conditions stated above, it would naturally be the place, in which the Capitulations should be first abolished. It is not too much to say that in Egypt they serve no useful purpose except to protect a certain number of European, or alleged European, illdoers from the full consequences of dubious transactions, and in certain cases give the subjects of Consular protection unfair fiscal advantages over the native Egyptians. The abolition by France of the Capitulations in Tunis many years ago affords an ample precedent. But though we think that the Capitulations should be dealt with in the interests of Egypt, it must be clearly understood that the point is raised in no sort of way as "compensation to Britain." It is a point which no one would dream of pressing if the delibera- tions of the Conference would in any way be prejudiced thereby.
