File No. 763.72/725
The Vice Consul General at Cairo (Knabenshue) to the Secretary of State
Cairo, August 7, 1914.
[Received September 1.]
No. 57]
Sir: I have the honor to confirm my telegram of to-day wherein the Department was informed that a decision of the Egyptian Council of Ministers was announced yesterday in the Journal officiel to the effect that the presence of the British Army of Occupation [Page 85] in Egypt rendered the country liable to attack on the part of Great Britain’s enemies, and that in consequence it was necessary to adopt certain war measures. The British Army and naval forces were entrusted with the defense of the country.
A supplement to the Journal officiel dated August 4, but published the following day, contained announcements formally committing Egypt to neutrality in the war involving Germany, Russia, Austria and Servia. However, upon the day of publication of these announcements news was received of Great Britain’s declaration of war against Germany, and I understood from reliable sources that the Egyptian Government would make upon the following day an announcement placing the country under the protection of Great Britain. This announcement was dated the 6th instant but was not published until to-day. I immediately cabled the main facts and now have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of the Journal officiel1 giving the French text of the decision of the Council of Ministers, together with an English translation. I also enclose copies and translations1 of the announcement of neutrality dated August 4.
Briefly the political situation in Egypt is as follows:
Theoretically Egypt is a vilayet of the Ottoman Empire, with independent power to administer her internal affairs and foreign commerce. But this position, however, is only a legal fiction. Egypt has been administered, and its policies entirely shaped by Great Britain since her occupation of the country in 1882. The chief object of England’s occupation of the country has now been accomplished, namely, the military control in time of war of the Suez Canal, the key to the East and her eastern possessions.
I have been informed by the Chargé d’Affaires of the British agency that at present their efforts will be to insure peace and quietness in Egypt. Additional forces are expected to arrive in the country shortly (probably from India). It is believed that Germany and Austria will be too much occupied on the Continent to permit of their sending an expeditionary force to Egypt. In the event of British successes in the present war, the only two factors which may effect the tranquillity of the country appear to be as follows:
Turkey is said to have mobilized. Should she decide to throw in her lot with Germany, the native population may be incited to uprisings and demonstrations against the English. However, it is fully expected that the British forces in Egypt will have no difficulty in keeping order and affording protection to foreigners. If the war should be prolonged until after the time for marketing the cotton crop, the natives may have difficulty in selling their cotton, owing to the suspension of all credits. This may cause dissatisfaction and threatening demonstrations which would undoubtedly be quickly suppressed by the authorities.
There are at present less than 200 American citizens in Egypt. Of this number about 150 are missionaries. Practically all of our citizens are residing either in Cairo or Alexandria or within a few hours train journey from either city. In case of necessity I foresee no difficulty in securing their protection.
I have [etc.]