The Observer announces, and the Times seems to believe, that
the French Government has inquired whether the British Cabinet intends to take any steps for the occupation of Egypt, and has received assurances that no such step is in contemplation. The story is denied, but as M. Waddington, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, previous to his appointment expressed himself strongly on the subject, there is no prima facie improbability in it. French opposition, if serious, is of course one more obstacle to the project, but we do not believe that it is final. The French interest in Egypt is almost en- tirely sentimental, and might be removed by frank nego- tiation as to her future policy in the Mediterranean. It is of course useless to press an active policy of the kind on a reluctant Government, especially as Liberals are divided on the matter, and we are not unwilling to wait till the Egyptian Treasury has succumbed to its difficulties or struggled -through them, but the broad fact remains. Our short maritime route to India—the only route worth attention—is never safe while any Power except ourselves can sink ships in the Canal. The project will reappear yet, whatever France may say, and perhaps be carried through with her full concurrence.
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