her
European possessions more from the lack of unanimity among the great
Powers than any consecrated rights of the Porte. The unceasing troubles
in Macedonia have shown that the Sultan has neither the power nor the
intention to give the Balkan countries under his rule a government
corresponding to the demands of modern civilisation. If the Porte loses
the support it has hitherto received from England, the Sultan is at the
same time deprived of all possibility of serious resistance."

"And what is arranged about Egypt?"

"Egypt is the prize of victory for France; but only what she can justly
claim on the ground of a glorious history will be restored to her. The
sovereignty of the Sultan, which is a mere formality, will remain.
But England's present position in Egypt--certainly with a definite
limitation--will henceforth fall to France."

"And what is the limitation?"

"It will be administered, not by France alone, but by an international
commission, appointed by all the Powers, under the presidency of France,
in the place of the present English administration. The first condition
is that England must cede all her financial claims and her Suez Canal
shares to the allied Powers. These financial sacrifices will at the same
time be part of the war indemnity which England will have to pay."

"Does France raise no further claims?"

"France is the more satisfied with the results of this war, since an
annexation of Belgium to the French Republic is very probable. Germany,
however, claims the harbour of Antwerp, which we have occupied since the
beginning of the war."

"If I am correctly informed, was it not suggested that Aden should fall
to France or be neutralised?"

"The idea was certainly mooted, but the allied Powers have decided to
leave Aden to England. On the other hand, England will have to pledge
herself to raise no obstacles which would render the construction and
working of the Bagdad railway illusory. The harbour of Koweit on the
Persian Gulf, the south-eastern terminus of this railway, must remain
the uncontested possession of Turkey."

"And Gibraltar? It raised a storm of indignation in England, when
the report suddenly spread that the cession of this fortress would be
demanded."

"And yet the English Government will have to submit, for the surrender
of Gibraltar is an indispensable condition on the part of the allies."

"It is impossible to rase this natural fortress."

"It would suffice if the Engl