Gordon's plan for appointing zebeiir. 105 that in giving the ameer a subsidy, which would not be needed in the present case. I distinctly state that if her majesty's government gave a commission to my successor, I recommend neither a subsidy nor men being given. I would select and give a commission to some man, and promise him the moral support of her majesty's government, and nothing more. It may be argued that her majesty's government would thus be giving nominal and moral support to a man who will rule over a slave state; but so is Afghanistan, as also Socotra. This nomination of my successor must, I think, be direct from her majesty's government.

As for the man, her majesty's government should select one above all others, namely Zebehr. He alone has the ability to rule the Soudan, and would be universally accepted by the Soudan.

He should be made K.C.M.G., and given presents.

The terms of nomination should be as follows: — 1. Engagement not to go into Equatorial or Bahr Gazelle provinces, and which I should evacuate.

2. Engagement not to go into Darftir.

3. Engagement, on payment of 200 annually, to telegraph height of Nile to Cairo.

4. Engagement to remain at peace with Abyssinia.

5. Engagement not to levy duties beyond 4 per cent on imports or exports. Of course he will not have Suakim or Massowah.

6. Engagement not to pursue any one who was engaged in suppressing his son's revolt.

7. Engagement to pay the pensions granted by the Egyptian government to old employes. To the above may be added other clauses as may seem fit. P.S. — I think the decision of any council of notables for the selection of candidates for the post oi my successor would be useless. Zebehr's exile at Cairo for ten years, amidst all the late events, and his mixing with Europeans, must have had oreat effect on his character. Zebehr's nomination, under the moral countenance of her majesty's government, would bring all merchants, European and others, back to the Soudan in a short time."