File No. 763.72/1289
The Consul General at Cairo (Arnold) to the Secretary of State
Cairo, November 5, 1914.
[Received December 7.]
No. 82]
Sir: I have the honor to report following a communication from the British Agency that the enclosed proclamation was promulgated on the 3d instant by General Maxwell commanding the British forces in Egypt. I at once called upon the British Agency and upon the General both of whom told me that the status of the United States Agency and of the United States as protectors of the German, Swiss, and Brazilian interests in Egypt is just the same as before the declaration.
The General said his action was hastened by the events that have already taken place on the Black Sea between Turkey and Russia.
I learn also that martial law was proclaimed in order to hold the natives of Egypt under more rigid control, if necessary.
[Page 145]There have been within three or four days some forty-three transports pass through the Suez Canal with troops but how many of these were retained the authorities did not say except to remark that a corps with 500 fine camels from India had been retained.
While all eyes are on the Turkish frontier of Egypt where the length including a Canal front is 120 miles, sight should not be lost of the fact that on the western boundary of Egypt there is a practically undefended front of many hundred miles where abound the Sennussi tribe which, if unfriendly to Egypt, under present conditions could do great damage.
Cairo, Alexandria, and in fact the whole of Egypt are quiet as usual on the surface and measures are being taken to remove all disturbing factors.
His Highness the Khedive is still in Constantinople together with many notables, mostly Turks, and the brother of the Khedive, Prince Mohammed Ali, within a few days will leave Egypt for “Italy.” Prince Aziz, cousin of the Khedive, a colonel in the Turkish Army, leaves to-day for Italy.
A rumor has it that the uncle of the Khedive, Prince Hussein, was summoned from Alexandria to Cairo three or four days ago to consult re placing the oldest son of the Khedive on the throne with Prince Hussein as regent, but it may be baseless as there are at least ten new stories told per day most of which have no foundation in fact. I communicate this for what it may be worth.
I have [etc.]
[Enclosure]
Proclamation . . . By the general officer commanding His Britannio Majesty’s forces in Egypt
Notice is hereby given that I have been directed by His Britannic Majesty’s Government to assume military control of Egypt in order to secure its protection. The country is therefore placed under martial law from this date.
J. G. Maxwell
Lieutenant General