One hundred years ago
Mr Gladstone left Cannes on Mon- day, thoroughly refreshed, it is believed, by his Southern holiday, which has only been impaired by the gigantic microscope held over him. He arrived in Paris on Tuesday, and devoted the next few days to making the acquaintance of all the leading French politicians, and endeavouring to remove the 'tension' which undoubtedly exists between the two Governments. There are difficulties about Egypt, the Commercial Treaties, Madagascar, and Congo — as to which last the British Foreign Office favours Portuguese claims — that together make up a serious aggregate. Mr Gladstone cannot directly remove any of them, but he can ascertain exactly what the French want, and can remove the sensitive suspiciousness which has developed itself in Paris as to British designs. He values the entente cordiale, he sym- pathises with the Republic, and he may be able to remove the impression that the British Government rather enjoys seeing France baffled at every turn. If he can do this, he will have simplified af- fairs very greatly, and paved the way for a renewal of the entente cordiale on a fresh basis. The old one, the joint action in Egypt, has fallen through.
Spectator, 3 March 1883
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