AFTER THE MUTINY. 305 out of the question, after the manner in which France had left England in the lurch. The country was again involved in financial difficulties, which seemed at the time well-nigh insuperable. The composition arranged by the Commission of Liquidation between Egypt and her creditors could not be carried into effect unless her credit were restored, and the restoration of her credit was obviously impossible if the British troops were withdrawn before some other military force had been provided for the maintenance of law and order.

It followed, therefore, that England had either to retain an army of occupation in Egypt, or to leave the country to relapse into a condition of anarchy, which would necessitate a foreign occupation by some one of the Continental Powers. Under these conditions, we had practically no course open to us but to occupy Egypt ourselves, till such time as the Egyptian Government might be able to stand alone without foreign supports The duration of this temporary occupation could obviously not be determined beforehand. But I feel convinced that, at this period, not only Mr. Gladstone, but the great majority of our public men, honestly believed that our occupation was not likely to prove of any great length. However this may be. an agreement was concluded on the 25th of September — the day after Tewfik had re-entered Cairo in state, accompanied by the Duke of Connaught, Sir General Wolseley, and Sir Edward Malet — in virtue of which Great Britain consented to reduce her force in Egypt to 1 2,000 men, and to bear the whole expenses of the X