A hundred years ago
The secret was revealed on Monday, and is a big one. Or that day the Government announced in both Houses that on the 4th June they had signed a Treaty with the Sultan by which the Queen engaged in all future time to defend the Asiatic dominions of the Ottoman Empire 'by force of arms.' In return the Sultan had promised to introduce 'necessary reforms,' to be agreed on with his ally, and had assigned the Island of Cyprus to be administered and occupied by Great Britain. It is, however, provided that if ever Russia gives up Batoum, Ardahan, and Kars, the island shall revert to Turkey; and that while it is occupied, Great Britain shall pay 22,000 purses, say £110,000 a year, to the Sultan. This Treaty has been ratified, and the clause about Cyprus has been acted on, Mr. Baring having, on the 12th inst., under a firman from the Sultan, taken possession of Cyprus and hoisted the British flag.
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