The Emperor, however, did something. He asked
Ali Pasha, the Turkish Minister, what were the Sultan's views. "They
will be governed," said Ali Pasha, "in a great measure by those of his
allies." "As one of them," said the Emperor, "I am most anxious for its
success." "In that case," replied Ali Pasha, "the Sultan can have no
objection to it in principle, though he may wish to annex to his firman
some conditions--for instance, as to the occupation of the forts at each
end by a mixed garrison of Turks and Egyptians." The Emperor then turned
to Lord Clarendon. "What are your views," he asked, "as to the Suez
Canal?" "It is a grave matter," answered Lord Clarendon, "and one on
which I have no instructions. But I believe it to be impracticable."
"Well," replied the Emperor, "but supposing for the sake of the argument,
that it is practicable, what are your intentions?" "I cannot but think,"
answered Lord Clarendon, "that any new channel of commerce must be
beneficial to England. The real difficulty is the influence which the
Canal may have in the relations of Egypt and Turkey." "If that be the
only obstacle," replied the Emperor, "there is not much in it, for Ali
Pasha has just told me that if _we_ make no objection the Sultan makes
none.
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