Printed papers on the political situation and military policy in Egypt [‎37v] (74/176)

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promising in return to use his influence on behalf of Italian interests in Tripoli,
Erithrea and the Near East generally. In March he approached the Fetva Emini
under the Sheikh-ul-Islamat for a religious decree in support of his claims to the
restoration of his throne. His brother, Prince Monamed Ali, and Princes
Kemal-ed-Din and Aziz Hassan were all active in his support at this time, either at
Constantinople or in Egypt. His main object appeared to be the recovery of his
throne but his activities and passion for intrigue w^ere so many-sided that it is
difficult to fathom all his motives. His army of agents was growing, and he was in
correspondence with his friends in Egypt, Syria, Anatolia Peninsula that forms most of modern-day Turkey. , Italy, Switzerland,
Germany and even America. He is next reported as aspiring to the Throne of
Albania, and both he, Prince Omar Toussoun and Prince Burhameddein are
mentioned as candidates for the Emirate of Syria. On being questioned on the
subject by His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris, however, M. Briand denied that the
French Government had any such intention towards any of the three. In October
Abbas Hilmi left Constantinople surreptitiously by an Italian steamer for Rome,
probably with the connivance of the French and Italian authorities, or at least with
that of Mgr. Dolci, Latin Apostolic delegate to Constantinople, and his assistant,
Mgr. Collaro, who were both warm partisans of his cause. From Rome he went to
Geneva, and also appears to have visited Germany, returning to Rome again about
the middle of November. In reply to representations from Ilis Majesty’s Embassy,
the Italian Government said that they would expel him from Italy if he were found
to be intriguing against His Majesty’s Government. Another scheme which he is
said to favour is one for securing the independence of Egypt, Arabia, Mesopotamia,
Syria and Palestine under the suzerainty of the Ottoman Khalifat.
32. In spite of all his activities, it does not appear that the ex-Khedive has
advanced his cause in Egypt. The sale of his properties has considerably damaged
his prestige, and there is no desire for his return except on the part of a comparatively
small number who are still counted among his partisans. It was nevertheless deemed
advisable in September to check what might, if passed unnoticed, have led to a revival
of popular sentiment in his favour. A Watanist newspaper, “El Lewa-el-Masri,”
published a telegram of congratulation to the ex-Khedive on the occasion of the
Mahommedan New’ Year above the signature of Ali Fahmi Kamel, chairman of a
committee with which was associated Prince Mohamed Ali. The telegram was
addressed to “His Highness our Lord the Khedive" and created a good deal of
sensation in the local press. On the urgent representations of the Acting Prime
Minister and of the Sultan, w^ho considered his prestige was at stake, the paper was
suspended and Ali Fahmi Kamel was expelled, ft may be added that there is no
evidence that the ex-Khedive’s cause is supported by the Zaghlulist Party.
13. Cadre Commission.
33. The commission appointed under the presidency The name given to each of the three divisions of the territory of the East India Company, and later the British Raj, on the Indian subcontinent. of Sir Paul Harvey to
examine the proposals for a new 7 cadre for Government officials completed the first
stage of its work in May 1921. The Council of Ministers approved in principle the
recommendations, which included :—
(a.) The adoption of the principle that entry into Government service should be
by competitive examination, and the establishment of a Government
recruiting commission.
(b.) An increase, during the winter months, in the length of the Government
working day.
(c.) The adoption of new and simplified scales of salary applicable to all
departments, together wdth the modifications thereby rendered necessary
in the existing rules governing promotions and the grant of allowances.
(d.) The addition of expatriation pay to the salaries of European officials.
34. The task of regrading the existing staff was entrusted to a special committee,
and it is hoped that some of the departments will be placed in the new 7 cadre in the
course of this year.
35. The cost of regrading is expected to amount to an additional £E. 750,000 in
the first year, and, with certain exceptions, it is intended to take effect retrospectively
from the 1st April, 1921, though this intention may perhaps not be carried out.
14. Cost of Living and Government War Bonus.
36. In September 1919 the Council of Ministers decided to increase the salaries
of Government officials in order to meet the increased cost of living. They granted
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