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nydus/Secret History of the English Occupation of EgyptPublic

This work documents the origins of the English occupation of Egypt from the perspective of an author who served as both a participant and a long-term observer of the political events in Cairo. It serves as a historical record intended to provide context for the Anglo-Egyptian situation and the consequences of British policy in the region.

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Table of Contents

CHAPTER XVIII DUFFERIN'S MISSION

*Broadley to Blunt. Letter. November 27th, 1882*: ("*Private and most urgent.*) "My dear Blunt, "I invite *all* your prudence, calm consideration and tact to the subject of this letter. I have had a long interview [with] Dufferin to-day. He is most friendly. The dossier is before us. *Nothing* presents difficulties but the burning of Alexandria. As regards this I believe the proof will fail as to Araby's orders, but many ugly facts remain, viz.: no efforts to stop conflagration and loot. (2) Continued intimacy with Suliman Sami *afterwards*. (3) No punishment of offenders. (4) Large purchases petroleum. (5) Systematic manner of incendiarism by soldiers. "This is *the rub*. Could Arabi have not stopped the whole thing? Besides, some of his former speeches, etc., have a very burning appearance. "If Arabi will plead *guilty formally to* one *of the charges of rebellion* (*i. e*., his continuing war after Khedive's orders) he will be exiled. "Cape of Good Hope under certain conditions with sufficient allowance. I think I can secure these terms for him, Mahmud Sami and Toulba. Rest, simple exile or pardon. Can I think secure *allowance* or with forfeiture property—retention military rank. "Against this we have enormous length trial—chances of turn public opinion—expense *and* the five facts which I allude to above. "If a word of this transpires you will do me incalculable injury. Think over all this and remember our great and grave responsibility. Dufferin is charming. Please at once telegraph as follows: If you say 'I accept the principle. Make best possible terms,' say *pax*. I *advise* this course as best. If you say, 'Go on—no sort of compromise can be accepted,' say *bellum*. "I am prepared to fight manfully to the bitter end strongly as ever. I leave all to you—but think well over all the contingencies. "Very faithfully yours, "A. M. Broadley."
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