—— 21 ——

and the obstacles that prevent the country's progress and hinder the interests of Europeans and Egyptians alike. Many Europeans, who may not be aware of the advantages they enjoy from these privileges, nor of the intended reform, reject this reform and condemn it merely because they imagine it to be arbitrary towards the aforementioned nations. However, the error in understanding the true nature of the reforms I described in my previous reports is not due to intentional distortion of words or alteration of intent. Rather, I testify that the discussion on this matter was conducted with utmost moderation, with consideration for the compassion and courtesy of those who object to the intended change. It is rather that the error in understanding my intent should be attributed to my own inadequacy in expressing my clear and evident intent to the reader's mind, on a subtle and complex issue, and new changes for which no precedent exists. Therefore, I now intend to remedy this deficiency by reiterating the overall reforms that characterize the desired change, and by addressing each step taken by minds towards its completion and improvement, disregarding many of its specific descriptions, however important they may be. For it is better to lead the reader to a full understanding of the general descriptions, and if not, I would attempt to explain its details and specific descriptions, which would only confuse the reader in vain. Thus, I will leave them until the time comes when their explanation will be beneficial.

(B) Description of the Desired Change

First, I will explain the nature of the change I requested in last year's report, as concisely as possible. I say that I see some researchers attributing it to a judicial reform, and this is an error. The reform necessitated by need is not a reform of the judicial system, but a reform of the legislative system. What is sought in judicial reform is only sought on the basis that it establishes the reform that will be accepted in the legislative system.

The reason for requesting a change in the legislative system is that it is not possible to implement an important law on Europeans residing in the Egyptian territory without the consent of fifteen states, except in certain specific cases. It has become evident through experience that the deficiency is not limited to the consent of these states in matters of great importance, and that obtaining it in general matters is also burdensome, costly, and requires great effort.