The result of this most able and statesmanlike agreement is
to keep the Soudan in touch with the rest of our rule in Egypt, and yet to banish from the reconquered provinces that internationalism in the shape of the Mixed Tribunals and the Capitulations which has proved so troublesome in Egypt. As to our right to settle the form of administration in pro- vinces which could never have been reconquered without our military and financial aid there can be no doubt, but this will not, of course, prevent a good deal of annoyance in France. It will be said that France has a
right to extend her Consular privileges to any place where Egypt once ruled alone. In all probability, however, the French, who know that we are not now going to evacuate Egypt any more than she is going to evacuate Tunis, will not proceed to extremities. Russia will in reality be indifferent. Austria, Germany, and Italy will show, if indeed they have not already promised, friendly acquiescence. The powers given to the Governor-General of the Soudan are enormous— wider, indeed, than those of the Indian Viceroy—but this is no ground for objection, but rather the reverse. In all matters of high policy the Governor-General of the Soudan will of course be advised by Lord Cromer. In local matters it is far better that he should have as free a hand as possible.
