Baron de Lesseps on the Egyptian Question.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 53, 16 March 1887, Page 2

Baron de Lesseps on the Egyptian Question.

It was announced a few days ago that Baron de Lcseeps had re I timed fc> Franco from Berlin, whither he had gone on a special mission on behalf of the French Government. This appears to havo been an error, as a cable message, dated Berlin 15th Match, professes to give the substance of statements made there by the great Baron, immediately after an

interview with I'l-iiR-e Bismarck. It is gratifying to note front the report that do Losseps declares himself satisticd that all danger of n war between France and Germany has been averted for the present; but unless we bcliovo that in his further remarks he is indulging in ._ little harmless gasconade, there is cause for grave anxiety in tho situation of affairs disclosed by him. It is plainly to bo inferred from the statements made that Baron dc Lcsseps has been successful in arriving at an understanding with tiio German Government with reference to Egyptian affairs, and the very fact of "Baton dc Lcsseps being chosen as envoy supports the presumption that the mission had special reference to tho land in which tho great engineer lakes such a lively interest, and in regard to which tho French nation cherish very marked sentiments. In any case, there must, be something behind tho Baron's assertion that "most setiotis complications would arise unloss the date of the evacuation of Egypt by the British forces was lixed." It is quite possible that Bismarck, in pursuance ol that "patriotic" policy which led him to act the lackey to tho Czar in Bulgaria, has agreed to play second liildlo to Franco in Egypt on condition that the bellicose Republic .-tups thcruinous game of increasing her armaments, it is woll known that tbcic is scarcely a colourable pretext for tho continued military occupation of Egypt by England, and probably Russia and Turkey may bo got to join inn demand forthe ovarii a tion of thecountryof tho I'haraohs. Yotl'act* are stronger than theory; England is, and has been since Arubi's rebellion was crushed, the real owner of Egypt ; and possession being nine parts of international as well as other law, it is not likely that England will surrender the position assumed by her at such great cost. Of course, the upshot will bo "seriouscomplications,"and though war need not be apprehended, negotiations will doubtless bo started for the readjustment of Egyptian affairs. And that this is just tho opportunity which France desires is made evident by that other clause in do Lesscps's statement— that he advises " the reinstatement of Ismail Pasha as Khedive." On the face of it, this seems most extraordinary advice. Ismail Pasha it was who gave so much troublo to dc Lcsseps over the Suez Canal : he also it was whose policy of extravagant expenditure landed Egypt, in hopeless debt ; and he it was who ultimately had to be deposed from the throne of Egypt 'in favour of his sou Tewflk, the reigning Khedive. But thero is deep meaning in tho suggestion that Ismail should be reinstated. He and do Lcsseps came latterly to a thorough understanding, and no doubt the French Government have been carefully " cultivating" Ismail in liis exile v ith a view to making use ot him. The palpable object of the present tactics is to induce the English Government to restore the deposed ruler to the Egyptian throne so that tho "dual control " may also be reverted to. The French have never reconciled themselves to the blunder by which they resigned a share in the control of Egyptian affairs, and they will spare no effort to regain tho influence they have lost. It will bo interesting to watch the development of their policy.

A later message states that Baron de Lesseps has expressed the opinion that Maiis unavoidable unless Ismail Pasha is restored to the throne of Egypt. Such restoration we believeFitiglandwillncvor agree to, and it will be for Franco to take tho initiative in stirring up strife. A pretext will be easily found, if it is desired, and a short timo should suffice to prove whether do Lesseps has been acting the alarmist needlessly, or giving valuable indications of his country's intentions.