Rather, it stems from a misunderstanding of the government's policy, leading to the inevitable outcome in such situations: great anger, severe distress, and the government's disregard for the council's opinions. However, whoever examines the matters the council later pointed out will see the error in the government's approach and its handling of these issues. They will find that the council greatly benefited from its documented friendship with the government, both in preserving its dignity and increasing its influence. The government accepted most of what the council suggested, whether in word or deed. What it did not agree to was not rejected outright, but merely postponed for financial reasons, with the intention of revisiting it in the future. I am convinced that as time goes on, it will become clear that those who now advocate for the continuation of the current policy are the very ones who were most eager for the gradual promotion of self-governing councils, more so than those who demand a reversal of that policy.

There is another matter that I must mention before concluding what we are discussing: the minutes of the council's proceedings are now published in the Egyptian Official Gazette. It is customary for these to be published after a long delay. It is well-known that official minutes contain a brief summary of what actually transpires in the council. Therefore, some have suggested that newspaper correspondents attend the council's sessions. I am informed that the council members' opinions are not in agreement on this matter. However, if they cooperate with the government's efforts in this regard, the government will give their opinion due consideration. I believe this will not happen if a large majority of the members agree, as it is demonstrable and has many facets.

(2) Local Self-Government Lord Dufferin wrote in his report, stating: "It is established that local self-government is one of the most important means of approaching constitutional order. Therefore, the directorates whose members are elected, as explained above, are concerned with this. The director of the directorate is always the president of these councils, and the number of council members varies from 8 to 3 depending on the size of the directorate. The Organic Law stipulates that these councils must be consulted on matters such as changing the administration of the directorate or the country, and establishing, changing, or abolishing regulations and markets within the directorate. They may also be consulted on other matters."

(1) The author adds another point about his work concerning the budget for 1907-1909. (3) See (6) Councils of Law and the General Assembly.