'Note by the Aga Khan and M. A. Ali Baig on the situation in Egypt' [‎56v] (4/10)

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Mahkama Shari’a, am! (iii) the Maglis ilasbi, which concern endownments,
ecclesiastical matters and trusteeships respectively. II this is done an
excellent political effect would be produced without ‘affecting the essentials
of British control. The advent of the new Sultan would be signalised by
an innocuous but important concession to Egyplain sentiment, and his
prestige as a Protected Sovereign would be enhanced at the outset of his
rule when his attitude of steadfast loyalty to the British cause is not
altogether free from certain domestic and other difficulties. The concession
would be gratefully appreciated by all classes of the Egyptian people, and
their confidence in the motives and policy of the Imperial Government would
be increased.
THE PROTECTORATE.
(11.) The rupture of friendly relations with Turkey combined with the
hostile attitude of the Khedive Abbas II., who was reported by Sir Louis
Mallett to have co-operated with the Turkish. Militarist party in organising'
a serious menace in Syria to the British position in Egypt, had brought to
the fore the question whether Egy pr should be annexed to the British Empire
or whether the political status of the country should be settled in some other
way. Phe repeated and emphatic disavowal in past years by successive
British Ministers of any intention to annex the country had raised certain
moral issues the settlement of which was being watched with keen interest
and considerable misgiving not only by the Egyptians but, also by the whole
Moslem world. Annexation, we are told, would have stirred up unfriendly
feelings towards Great Britain in many quarters, and might possibly have
led to serious complications. The constitution of Egypt into a British
Protectorate at the present juncture is generally regarded as the most
statesmanlike solution of a very difficult and delicate problem.
THE NEW SULTAN.
(IT.) Lhe gratification of the Egyptians at the decision of His Majesty’s
Government has been enhanced by the happy selection of His Highness
Hussein Kamel as the first Sultan of Egypt. He has a much stronger hold
on the esteem and confidence of the Egyptians than the late Khedive, whose
unceasing intrigues had poisoned the atmosphere of Cairo, and whose
questionable monetary exploitations had created m the country and even
among !us nearest relations a feeling of distrust and apprehension. The
new Sultan is known for his uprightness and high sense of honour, his
solicitude for the welfare of the poor, and his great interest in agricultural
questions, on which the prosperity of a country like Egypt must largely
depend. His antecedents and his early association with almost all the
branches of the administration, including the portfolios of Finance, War,
ublic Works,^ Interior, \\ aqfs and Education, inspire the people with
confidence in his ability and knowledge of affairs. We were told that if a
plebiscite had been taken the choice of the Egyptians would have been the
same as that of His Majesty’s Government.
... ff'O " e Imye had opportunities of meeting and conversing with Mis
Highness. Me impressed us as a strightfonvard, enlightened, and broad
minded man. At our parting private interview with the Sultan, arranged at
Ills special desire, Mis lliglmess confidentially hut quite frankly expressed his
uevs on t ic c ang( m the political status of Egypt, and the difficulties of
Ills own position W e gathered from his conversation that the role of a
mere ornamental figurehead on the political chessboard, which he confidentlr
lopcd was not in contemplation when lie loyallj-*assented to the proposals of
the Indian Government, would humiliate him in the eyes both of the Islamic
0ll<l ai ‘ l1 !" llls ?"!' subjects, and render his position intolerable. Me
expressed .he conviction that, in view of his clean record and mature expe-
iu nee, onh a policy ol mutual trust, confidence, and good will, coupled with
a generous desire to uphold Ids dignity, with special regard to the powers