4 DECEMBER 1886, Page 2

M. de Freyeinet, in moving the Foreign Office Estimate on

Saturday, in the French Chamber, explained his foreign policy. France, he said, needs peace in order to complete the transition from a Monarchical to a Republican state of affairs ; but she remains a Great Power, determined to assert her rights and maintain her dignity. She, therefore, will choose among the affairs with which it is necessary to concern herself. In Bulgaria she is only indirectly interested, through her concern for the Ottoman Empire ; but in Egypt her interests are direct, and also in the Suez Canal. England has been asked, therefore, to come to a final arrangement about the Canal ; and though she has not received notice to quit Egypt, she has been informed that her indefinite stay there will be con- sidered unfriendly to France. "The great Power which owns Egypt is master of the Mediterranean," a sentence to be remem- bered. M. de Freyeinet was courteous in words, admitting that England wished to retire, though the period was not fixed ; but he evidently intended to insinuate a menace. He has, moreover, it is reported, directed M. Waddington to renew French com- plaints about the indefiniteness of British occupation, and to urge the Sultan also to remonstrate. Lord Salisbury can, of course, only inform either that Great Britain will retire when her task is accomplished.