The Government is not willing to give information as to
the Anglo-Turkish Convention just concluded by Sir H. Drum- mond Wolff; but there is no doubt as to its main stipulations. The Suez Canal is to be neutralised, and to remain open whether there is war or peace, an arrangement which, if it is observed — a point on which we have doubts—will be more beneficial to England than to any other Power. Egypt is to be evacuated within three years, unless disturbances are expected, when Great Britain may remain two more. She is to use this time in forming a Native Army, which, after her departure, will be officered by Englishmen and Turks. In the event of serious disorder after her departure, or of a descent of the Sondanese, England and Turkey will possess an exclu- sive right of re-occupation, which, moreover, may, with the consent of Turkey, be exercised by England alone. We have elsewhere passed an unfavourable opinion on this Convention, which, adroitly arranged as it is to save English dignity, involves a neglect of our duty towards the fellahs ; but we may mention here that it has delighted the Turks, and that the majority of the Powers appear to be favourable. Only Russia, indeed, is hostile, this settlement of difficult questions direct with Turkey not suiting her policy at all. The Powers might some day even settle the Bulgarian Question so. Russia has, however, no interests in Egypt, and will hardly contend with Europe and annoy France and Turkey on such a subject.
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