883.05/303: Telegram
The Minister in Egypt (Gunther) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:12 p.m.]
29. Reference my despatch No. 174, April 19,27 and previous. The Egyptian Prime Minister, who is acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, [Page 953] yesterday informed me of his Government’s intention to present to the powers a proposal to extend jurisdiction of the Mixed Courts to all cases adjudged now by Consular Courts and to make the suggested constitution of a new chamber of five judges dependent upon the replies of the powers. However, he assured me in response to my full statement of the American position that every consideration would be given our desire for additional representation, if, as, and when there is constituted such a chamber. He reaffirmed repeatedly his desire to please us and to meet American wishes, and his attitude was most sympathetic.
Although the question of this new chamber is unlikely to come up before the autumn, I have explained very fully the American position to Lord Lloyd, the British High Commissioner. For the first time I found him frank in admitting his continued supposition that the United States did not sympathize with British policy and aims in Egypt. The acts of my predecessor were also repeatedly mentioned, but now I think he understands far better the American position, and, as a result of this conversation, Lord Lloyd has already discussed, as promised, our attitude in the matter of Mixed Courts with the British judicial adviser, Judge Booth.
- Not printed.↩