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AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 7069301" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 129, "Round Three: Once More with the British Army", September 13, 1882, 10:15 AM.</strong></p><p></p><p>George Eastman states in a gracious and conciliatory tone "Ok, gentlemen. You have had some tea and a break. Hopefully we can begin the negotiations again. Forgive my rashness General Woolsley, I spoke with some passion and not in a manner befitting my role nor towards a common solution nor with proper respect for you or your rank and position. My deepest apologies. Now, perhaps you would care to begin by laying out your concerns and desires."</p><p></p><p>Woolsley says, "Our concerns are a peaceful and stable Egypt, one that recognizes the obligations that it has committed to during the past several decades and is willing to abide by them. The current Monarch's father was of that mind and we would hope that the current one is. Based upon your introductory pronouncement I fear that the Queen's new husband may have tainted her viewpoint to his. If that is the case then I fear that we may have reached a serious point of disagreement in these talks."</p><p></p><p>George states "A peaceful, stable AND prosperous Egypt is all that the Pharaoh wishes as well. As for previous agreements, well that becomes a bit of an issue. Britain has by no means held to its own obligations. The Amiens Treaty, The Treaty of Limerick, The Treaty of Waitangi, and of course the entire issue with the Treaty of Nanking, which while not broken were so one sided as to precipitate a second war. So if the British government doesn't see fit to abide by the obligations it committed to, why should the Egyptians be any different?</p><p></p><p>As to the Queen's viewpoint, I seriously doubt that General Orabi influenced her decisions in the very short time they were together before they, like General Drury-Lowe, were kidnapped and held in an unconscious state. However, I am open to hearing some solution that would appease you." General Wolseley says, "The solution is simple. Great Britain will maintain the canal, which should relieve the Queen of that burden so that she can concentrate on her country."</p><p></p><p>"Simple? As simple as British forces leaving the country actually. But at no time did I ever say that Egypt or the Queen would be burdened by maintaining the canal. So your jump in logic is a bit fallacious there. My question pertained to your concerns over Orabi's influence on the Queen, to that end your response failed to address." replies George. Woolsley responds, "Sir, if the decisions that she makes exactly mirror those that General Orabi previously called for then the impact of his influence on her will be rather obvious."</p><p></p><p>"Would you agreeing with me mean that I have unduly influenced you General? I think you are confusing causation and correlation. It is equally likely that the Queen has influenced General Orabi and so it is he who is mirroring her demands." Woolsley interrupts and exclaims. "No sir, which simply demonstrates how little you are aware of the current situation. Those were Orabi's demands four months ago!"</p><p></p><p>George smiles patiently. "Again general. It is not unreasonable to think that the princess, pardon, Queen, came to the same or similar ideas on her own. If you doubt that, you gravely underestimate the new ruler of Egypt. She is the Victoria of Egypt I assure you, quite clever and capable on her own. And a woman of her own mind. As for the current situation, if you will remember sir, that the marriage was arranged, and the ceremony occurred, and I should know for I was there, but a few days before they were both kidnapped. Much of that time they were apart. If you think that in that short a time, Orabi completely convinced the Queen to abandon all her preexisting thoughts and adopt his, well then sir you are underestimating the Queen's abilities."</p><p></p><p>Goerge continues, "In doing so you are also calling into question her intelligence, and that sir is not to be tolerated in any country. And the line to defend the honor of the Queen and challenge you for such a slur is quite long and starts behind me" finishes George with a chilled tone. "Did Prince Albert have Victoria speaking German a week after he married her? Did he have her eating sauerbraten for tea? No, he did not. So do not besmirch the will, independence or faithfulness to this country of this Queen."</p><p></p><p>When George makes the 'challenge' and 'slur' comments the poker-face that Wolseley had worn until this point shatters. As soon as George pauses next Woolsley interjects, "Sir, I would never show disrespect to a fine monarch as Queen Neferka. That was clearly not my intent, and if I said anything in the passion of the moment which implied that I most humbly apologize. We wish nothing for Queen Neferka other than a long an successful reign."</p><p></p><p>George smiled inwardly, he had gotten the desired reaction from Woolseley. "If you do wish for a long and successful reign of the Queen, why then are you so dead set on intruding and interfering in it? A Sovereign is by definition, sovereign, and thus can be beholden to no one. Any attempt to destabilized her divine right to rule as sole and absolute monarch, will be treated as sedition, treason or an act of war. No more or less than the same act would be treated if it occurred in Sussex and was directed at Queen Victoria. I hope I make myself clear General Woolsley. I am glad to hear you bear personal and national respect for the Pharaoh. But it must be more than lip service. I do not think you understand the significance of the appearance of Bast upon the battlefield yesterday. To have a deity appear, in the name of, and in support of, the Pharaoh, well, you don't want to wake up covered in scarabs do you? I certainly don't and so I will do that which She has charged me with."</p><p></p><p>Woolsley remains absolutely silent after this exchange, clearly having no intention or desire to revisit this particular topic. George continues "In any case, all you have been offering me are potential concerns and no realistic or viable solutions. And most of your assumptions are based upon faulty logic. I know it is not you sir, I know you to be an intelligent man, a gentleman, a man of high moral character and honor. So I have to assume these illogical requests come from London and Gladstone. But please sir, serve your conscience and duty to humanity, find a solution that appeases your soul, not the greed of Gladstone." Woolsley states, "Sir, I have complete authority to negotiate an agreement for the Crown. I have no need to contact the Prime Minister."</p><p></p><p>"Oh, I understand the full authority granted to men in your position. Nor am I implying that you need to contact the Prime Minister. Rather I am suggesting that the Prime Minister was explicit in his instructions and guidance to you before you left. To protect the plutocrats of London, the bankers. To make decisions to further the interests of the Banks, to place money first, rather than the safety and security of your forces, before the interests of the British people, before the good of the Empire and the Commonwealth, and certainly before your own ethics as a gentleman and an officer. So, General, you have heard my proposals, but I have heard nothing from you in the form of a concrete suggestion, a practical resolution. What would you see done?" asks George.</p><p></p><p>Woolsely states, "The safety and security of the British forces and the people of Great Britain are my primary concern. Our forces in India, Australia, New Zealand, as well as southern and southeastern Africa would all be at risk without continuous passage through the canal. To that end we must protect that waterway. By maintaining bases for British ships in Alexandria, Port Said and Suez that can be accomplished. We have heard that Queen Neferka will be declaring the canal off-limits to France and other nations that possess plundered Egyptian artifacts. In this effort we can be of great assistance to her, being able to enforce her decrees as to the access to the waterway.</p><p></p><p>And we can also help with her own internal security. She may have pacified Orabi, however his example has now been witnessed by all of the officers of his army. There is nothing to stop one of them from mounting another revolt. Having our forces nearby, to compliment her own forces , would help suppress thoughts among those men of revolution. Is it not better sir, to prevent a war from ever occurring than to have to fight for peace once one has started?"</p><p></p><p>"I appreciate the offer to aid in the patrol of the canal, but Egypt is fully capable of providing its own security for the canal. No ship shall pass those waters without the knowledge and consent of the Egyptian forces, I assure you. And I doubt that a French vessel of any kind will be able to pass through for a decade or more." adds George with a small grin. "The issue of internal security is just that General, internal. It is an Egyptian concern, an Egyptian problem, and an Egyptian solution has already been tendered. Again though I thank you for your kind and generous offer of assistance.</p><p></p><p>You are right, it is better to prevent war from occurring. However, you do not understand the Egyptian mind. Did you ever meet Ambassador Burton? I had the privilege once to speak with him. There was a man who understood the minds of people in other cultures. It is a rare gift General, one I myself wish I had in greater abundance. Let me assure you however, your fear of other officers mounting another revolt will not happen. Well, I can think of one instance. If your forces stay, then yes, I can see another revolt coming. But, since you and your forces are leaving, it will not be an issue." George issues this last statement with some emphasis, as though it were a foregone conclusion.</p><p></p><p>"As to the safety and security of British troops. The Queen is grateful that you stood by her father, whatever the true reason for your support. Because of that the Queen is willing to allow the continued use of the canal by all British Naval vessels at the discounted rate for a period of ten years. British military vessels will also be given preferential refueling privileges in Egyptian ports for the same time period. All other vessels, regardless of flag, will pay the full rate. This will ensure that Egypt is able to pay back those generous financiers who loaned the initial capital to fund the construction of the canal. Paying off the loans, will ensure that English bankers earn back their principle, plus some interest, and at a reasonable time frame, but also ensures a stable, and peaceful Egypt. Which after all, if what your stated goal was General Woolsely. By guaranteeing military access to the canal and at a reduced rate, the British Empire is assured of its ability to quickly access all parts of its thriving Empire. The gracious offer by the Queen to allow refueling of British ships will also ensure the safety of your men as they will have a safe port at which to load coal and bring on fresh water for the boilers.</p><p></p><p>There now General, I think I have covered all of your concerns. A way for the banks to be re-paid. The safety of your men and vessels. Ensuring a long and prosperous reign of Queen Neferka in a stable Egypt. Rapid access to the Indian Ocean for vessels willing to pay the standard rate, excepting British military vessels of course. We must make sure you can put down the next Afghan, Maori or Boer kerfuffle." adds George. George takes a sip of water and looks expectantly at the three generals, holding his gaze a little longer on Drury-Lowe to see if he gives any small signal regarding the proposal.</p><p></p><p>General Wolseley replies, "Well, I think that we have the beginnings of an agreement here sir. However, despite verbal or written assurances, the British banks would be unwilling to have us completely walk away from their interests. And I for one, would want to see clear evidence that Egypt can indeed enforce the Queen's canal policies. I am certain that she feels she can protect it, however the German, Belgian, French, Portuguese, or even the United States Navy may think otherwise if she denies them access to the canal. I would propose that Great Britain maintain a naval base in Alexandria in order to display a very visible show of support for the new Egyptian monarch."</p><p></p><p>George replies, "As of this moment, only the French are denied access to the canal. It is in everyone's interest to abide by the conditions of access that will be enforced by the Egyptian Canal Authority. The Ottoman Empire has also given us assurances of additional naval support to maintain the canal solely under Egyptian authority. So as you see General, there is no need for a British base in Egypt. The Ottomans are particularly interested in ensuring that the British make no incursions into the eastern Mediterranean. Therefore aside from the Egyptian desire to have no foreign military bases, we cannot permit one on our soil as it would be seen as an escalating act between the British and Ottoman Empires, with Egypt in the middle, a position, we do not desire.</p><p></p><p>Lastly, the British Banks. Last I knew sir, you served the Queen, not bankers. I understand your previously stated position regarding the stability of the banks. However, this plan of actually charging ships to use the canal, allows the Egyptian government to actually pay off the usurious rates present in the contract, a contract that is so blatantly disastrous that I have to question what leverage or deception was used to force the King to sign it. In any case, the banks will this way get their principle and interest on time. You cannot rob Athena to pay Apollo after all General.</p><p></p><p>I am quite willing to renegotiate the terms of the contract with the bankers if they wish. I wonder when dealing with a man of business, how well they might try to pull off deception. However, there are three choices when it comes to the Canal General. A, the terms I have set forth; namely full rates for all ships with a ten-year exception for British military ships. B, a full renegotiation of the contract, with me on, behalf of the Egyptian government and all everything and all issues are on the table for that, not a revision, a new contract whole cloth. Or C, the Egyptian government declares the contract illegal, and seizes full control of the canal and the British bankers will have a very large write off for their depositors."</p><p></p><p>Woolsley replies "Mr. Eastman, we need to continue to work on your first proposal. The second could also be pursued, but would not be ideal. The third would be deemed unacceptable by both myself and my Queen. If we are to use the canal it would make sense for there to be a base in Egypt. Ships would need to be able to resupply before the long journey to follow. And to maintain the proper security, we would need to manage it. Perhaps some type of lease agreement could be negotiated. You proposed a ten-year time frame, that might be appropriate for the lease, provided there was a clear methodology and conditions for further extensions."</p><p></p><p>George replies "The first proposal is a good starting point. It makes economic sense for Egypt to receive a fair price, and ethical and legal for everyone to pay a fair price. British merchant ships will be able to dock and purchase coal and supplies as any other vessel will be able to. British military vessels will be given priority berthing in Port Said and Alexandria, and may lease a coal depot and supply warehouse in the port district that may be supplied with a limited military garrison in those two ports only. British naval vessels will further be able to use the Canal at the discounted rate. Those depots and the discounted rate will apply for a period of 10 years.</p><p></p><p>If the British Navy wishes to extend the lease of port support, discounted shipping rates and priority berthing when the 10 year period is up, the lease may be renewed by the Pharaoh at her discretion. There is no further need for any military presence by any foreign government in Egypt. The British Navy will be the only entity to have such an arrangement. That will provide the,....strategic advantage I think that you are seeking. It will also facilitate the reach of the British Empire into South Asia and East Asia which you desire. The small garrison that is permitted will provide the peace of mind for the British Empire that their necessary supplies are present and ready for a quick resupply. I think this addresses all of your concerns General." says George giving a glance over to Drury-Lowe for any kind of signal as to his disposition on it.</p><p></p><p>Drury-Lowe nods to the affirmative and then leans over and whispers something to General Woolsley. The General says, "I believe that we have a strong foundation for an agreement although I suspect that you and I may have differences in opinion as to what constitutes a small garrison. I will remind you that the British Fleet often travel in convoys of ten to fifteen ships for long voyages, all of which would need simultaneous berthing facilities, security and the ability to be resupplied as quickly as possible. General Drury-Lowe has suggested that you and I both takes some time now to consider that, and hopefully my minimum requirements and your maximum requirements will not be that far apart."</p><p></p><p>"I think that a moment to contemplate would be well warranted. Let us take a recess for a while. Then we can work out specific logistics. As to berthing, with actual revenue being generated from the Canal, not only can the loan be repaid on time, but upgrades and expansion of those ports can be funded to ensure adequate facilities for all vessels." replies George who stands and signals the guards that they stand in recess.</p><p></p><p>George heads over to the side board for a glass of water. He finishes it as the British delegation leaves. After the door closes he heads back to Amisi and Hassan. "Well this is going better than I had hoped. We will need you to get the rebels on board to patrol the canal Hassan to pull this off. I think maybe we need a public ceremony from all the rebels and their commanders to swear allegiance to Neferka in the name of Bast. I think that will help legitimize them a bit. Of course, we should weed out everyone who is untrustworthy, but I bet this deal will re-establish faith in the monarchy for nearly all of them."</p><p></p><p>Colonel Hassan says, "I agree. I suspect that the British will want to retain the footprint of the current base that they have established in Alexandria as their garrison. If we are flexible on that point, and focus instead on reducing the compliment of people stationed there, I believe that we will be able to come to an understanding. As they have not had time yet to build anything at either Port Said or the town of Suez they will not be as inflexible about those locations. If we are to have the former rebels there it might be better to keep the British only in Alexandria rather than either of those other two communities. As to which rebels to retain, that will be a subject that I suspect General Orabi and I may have strong disagreements about. Personally, I would prefer that Orabi no longer command them at all."</p><p></p><p>George says, "Ahmed Orabi will no longer be a member of the military, not even an honorary position granted him by virtue of his marriage. He will still be required to swear allegiance along with his troops, but then he is a civilian. He gets no say in the matter. I want you to come up with a list of all commissioned officers you want to keep from the rebel garrisons. We will put a royalist general in charge of the entire force, but Orabi gets no say. I think if we keep the NCOs we will maintain the loyalty of the rank and file we do keep.</p><p></p><p>As you suggested we will start out with a smaller force of the rebels. Any one not retained for that can be eligible for re-enlisting, with loss of all rank, and subject to inquiry for suitability based on past records. These men should be integrated into the main army, not the canal force. I am sure most of the men were simply following orders and so it is the officers we need to pare down the most. In fact, would you like to head the force? Full latitude on who you get to keep and I know you would keep dissent down and I need someone out there who can get the port working at full steam and enforce the new full rates. Think about it Hassan.</p><p></p><p>As to forces, I think you have something there. Letting them keep the size, but restricting manpower will be good, I want to prevent a build up of potential there. That will work well as their main resupply area. With the current footprint, they may have enough slips to house what they need. Maybe Said can be an over-flow station. Of course if we restrict them to say a small garrison of 50 men of so there, I don't think they would bother the rebels much." smirks George.</p><p></p><p>"And you Princess, how are you following these discussions? Any questions or concerns?" She acts startled at being asked for her opinion. She states, "My command of your language is not very good and those men spoke it differently that you Mr. Eastman. I was following along as the scribe wrote. You appear to have the situation well in hand." Colonel Hassan says, "Well, let us hope that your sister feels the same way. We should go update the Queen as to our progress."</p><p></p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 7069301, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 129, "Round Three: Once More with the British Army", September 13, 1882, 10:15 AM.[/B] George Eastman states in a gracious and conciliatory tone "Ok, gentlemen. You have had some tea and a break. Hopefully we can begin the negotiations again. Forgive my rashness General Woolsley, I spoke with some passion and not in a manner befitting my role nor towards a common solution nor with proper respect for you or your rank and position. My deepest apologies. Now, perhaps you would care to begin by laying out your concerns and desires." Woolsley says, "Our concerns are a peaceful and stable Egypt, one that recognizes the obligations that it has committed to during the past several decades and is willing to abide by them. The current Monarch's father was of that mind and we would hope that the current one is. Based upon your introductory pronouncement I fear that the Queen's new husband may have tainted her viewpoint to his. If that is the case then I fear that we may have reached a serious point of disagreement in these talks." George states "A peaceful, stable AND prosperous Egypt is all that the Pharaoh wishes as well. As for previous agreements, well that becomes a bit of an issue. Britain has by no means held to its own obligations. The Amiens Treaty, The Treaty of Limerick, The Treaty of Waitangi, and of course the entire issue with the Treaty of Nanking, which while not broken were so one sided as to precipitate a second war. So if the British government doesn't see fit to abide by the obligations it committed to, why should the Egyptians be any different? As to the Queen's viewpoint, I seriously doubt that General Orabi influenced her decisions in the very short time they were together before they, like General Drury-Lowe, were kidnapped and held in an unconscious state. However, I am open to hearing some solution that would appease you." General Wolseley says, "The solution is simple. Great Britain will maintain the canal, which should relieve the Queen of that burden so that she can concentrate on her country." "Simple? As simple as British forces leaving the country actually. But at no time did I ever say that Egypt or the Queen would be burdened by maintaining the canal. So your jump in logic is a bit fallacious there. My question pertained to your concerns over Orabi's influence on the Queen, to that end your response failed to address." replies George. Woolsley responds, "Sir, if the decisions that she makes exactly mirror those that General Orabi previously called for then the impact of his influence on her will be rather obvious." "Would you agreeing with me mean that I have unduly influenced you General? I think you are confusing causation and correlation. It is equally likely that the Queen has influenced General Orabi and so it is he who is mirroring her demands." Woolsley interrupts and exclaims. "No sir, which simply demonstrates how little you are aware of the current situation. Those were Orabi's demands four months ago!" George smiles patiently. "Again general. It is not unreasonable to think that the princess, pardon, Queen, came to the same or similar ideas on her own. If you doubt that, you gravely underestimate the new ruler of Egypt. She is the Victoria of Egypt I assure you, quite clever and capable on her own. And a woman of her own mind. As for the current situation, if you will remember sir, that the marriage was arranged, and the ceremony occurred, and I should know for I was there, but a few days before they were both kidnapped. Much of that time they were apart. If you think that in that short a time, Orabi completely convinced the Queen to abandon all her preexisting thoughts and adopt his, well then sir you are underestimating the Queen's abilities." Goerge continues, "In doing so you are also calling into question her intelligence, and that sir is not to be tolerated in any country. And the line to defend the honor of the Queen and challenge you for such a slur is quite long and starts behind me" finishes George with a chilled tone. "Did Prince Albert have Victoria speaking German a week after he married her? Did he have her eating sauerbraten for tea? No, he did not. So do not besmirch the will, independence or faithfulness to this country of this Queen." When George makes the 'challenge' and 'slur' comments the poker-face that Wolseley had worn until this point shatters. As soon as George pauses next Woolsley interjects, "Sir, I would never show disrespect to a fine monarch as Queen Neferka. That was clearly not my intent, and if I said anything in the passion of the moment which implied that I most humbly apologize. We wish nothing for Queen Neferka other than a long an successful reign." George smiled inwardly, he had gotten the desired reaction from Woolseley. "If you do wish for a long and successful reign of the Queen, why then are you so dead set on intruding and interfering in it? A Sovereign is by definition, sovereign, and thus can be beholden to no one. Any attempt to destabilized her divine right to rule as sole and absolute monarch, will be treated as sedition, treason or an act of war. No more or less than the same act would be treated if it occurred in Sussex and was directed at Queen Victoria. I hope I make myself clear General Woolsley. I am glad to hear you bear personal and national respect for the Pharaoh. But it must be more than lip service. I do not think you understand the significance of the appearance of Bast upon the battlefield yesterday. To have a deity appear, in the name of, and in support of, the Pharaoh, well, you don't want to wake up covered in scarabs do you? I certainly don't and so I will do that which She has charged me with." Woolsley remains absolutely silent after this exchange, clearly having no intention or desire to revisit this particular topic. George continues "In any case, all you have been offering me are potential concerns and no realistic or viable solutions. And most of your assumptions are based upon faulty logic. I know it is not you sir, I know you to be an intelligent man, a gentleman, a man of high moral character and honor. So I have to assume these illogical requests come from London and Gladstone. But please sir, serve your conscience and duty to humanity, find a solution that appeases your soul, not the greed of Gladstone." Woolsley states, "Sir, I have complete authority to negotiate an agreement for the Crown. I have no need to contact the Prime Minister." "Oh, I understand the full authority granted to men in your position. Nor am I implying that you need to contact the Prime Minister. Rather I am suggesting that the Prime Minister was explicit in his instructions and guidance to you before you left. To protect the plutocrats of London, the bankers. To make decisions to further the interests of the Banks, to place money first, rather than the safety and security of your forces, before the interests of the British people, before the good of the Empire and the Commonwealth, and certainly before your own ethics as a gentleman and an officer. So, General, you have heard my proposals, but I have heard nothing from you in the form of a concrete suggestion, a practical resolution. What would you see done?" asks George. Woolsely states, "The safety and security of the British forces and the people of Great Britain are my primary concern. Our forces in India, Australia, New Zealand, as well as southern and southeastern Africa would all be at risk without continuous passage through the canal. To that end we must protect that waterway. By maintaining bases for British ships in Alexandria, Port Said and Suez that can be accomplished. We have heard that Queen Neferka will be declaring the canal off-limits to France and other nations that possess plundered Egyptian artifacts. In this effort we can be of great assistance to her, being able to enforce her decrees as to the access to the waterway. And we can also help with her own internal security. She may have pacified Orabi, however his example has now been witnessed by all of the officers of his army. There is nothing to stop one of them from mounting another revolt. Having our forces nearby, to compliment her own forces , would help suppress thoughts among those men of revolution. Is it not better sir, to prevent a war from ever occurring than to have to fight for peace once one has started?" "I appreciate the offer to aid in the patrol of the canal, but Egypt is fully capable of providing its own security for the canal. No ship shall pass those waters without the knowledge and consent of the Egyptian forces, I assure you. And I doubt that a French vessel of any kind will be able to pass through for a decade or more." adds George with a small grin. "The issue of internal security is just that General, internal. It is an Egyptian concern, an Egyptian problem, and an Egyptian solution has already been tendered. Again though I thank you for your kind and generous offer of assistance. You are right, it is better to prevent war from occurring. However, you do not understand the Egyptian mind. Did you ever meet Ambassador Burton? I had the privilege once to speak with him. There was a man who understood the minds of people in other cultures. It is a rare gift General, one I myself wish I had in greater abundance. Let me assure you however, your fear of other officers mounting another revolt will not happen. Well, I can think of one instance. If your forces stay, then yes, I can see another revolt coming. But, since you and your forces are leaving, it will not be an issue." George issues this last statement with some emphasis, as though it were a foregone conclusion. "As to the safety and security of British troops. The Queen is grateful that you stood by her father, whatever the true reason for your support. Because of that the Queen is willing to allow the continued use of the canal by all British Naval vessels at the discounted rate for a period of ten years. British military vessels will also be given preferential refueling privileges in Egyptian ports for the same time period. All other vessels, regardless of flag, will pay the full rate. This will ensure that Egypt is able to pay back those generous financiers who loaned the initial capital to fund the construction of the canal. Paying off the loans, will ensure that English bankers earn back their principle, plus some interest, and at a reasonable time frame, but also ensures a stable, and peaceful Egypt. Which after all, if what your stated goal was General Woolsely. By guaranteeing military access to the canal and at a reduced rate, the British Empire is assured of its ability to quickly access all parts of its thriving Empire. The gracious offer by the Queen to allow refueling of British ships will also ensure the safety of your men as they will have a safe port at which to load coal and bring on fresh water for the boilers. There now General, I think I have covered all of your concerns. A way for the banks to be re-paid. The safety of your men and vessels. Ensuring a long and prosperous reign of Queen Neferka in a stable Egypt. Rapid access to the Indian Ocean for vessels willing to pay the standard rate, excepting British military vessels of course. We must make sure you can put down the next Afghan, Maori or Boer kerfuffle." adds George. George takes a sip of water and looks expectantly at the three generals, holding his gaze a little longer on Drury-Lowe to see if he gives any small signal regarding the proposal. General Wolseley replies, "Well, I think that we have the beginnings of an agreement here sir. However, despite verbal or written assurances, the British banks would be unwilling to have us completely walk away from their interests. And I for one, would want to see clear evidence that Egypt can indeed enforce the Queen's canal policies. I am certain that she feels she can protect it, however the German, Belgian, French, Portuguese, or even the United States Navy may think otherwise if she denies them access to the canal. I would propose that Great Britain maintain a naval base in Alexandria in order to display a very visible show of support for the new Egyptian monarch." George replies, "As of this moment, only the French are denied access to the canal. It is in everyone's interest to abide by the conditions of access that will be enforced by the Egyptian Canal Authority. The Ottoman Empire has also given us assurances of additional naval support to maintain the canal solely under Egyptian authority. So as you see General, there is no need for a British base in Egypt. The Ottomans are particularly interested in ensuring that the British make no incursions into the eastern Mediterranean. Therefore aside from the Egyptian desire to have no foreign military bases, we cannot permit one on our soil as it would be seen as an escalating act between the British and Ottoman Empires, with Egypt in the middle, a position, we do not desire. Lastly, the British Banks. Last I knew sir, you served the Queen, not bankers. I understand your previously stated position regarding the stability of the banks. However, this plan of actually charging ships to use the canal, allows the Egyptian government to actually pay off the usurious rates present in the contract, a contract that is so blatantly disastrous that I have to question what leverage or deception was used to force the King to sign it. In any case, the banks will this way get their principle and interest on time. You cannot rob Athena to pay Apollo after all General. I am quite willing to renegotiate the terms of the contract with the bankers if they wish. I wonder when dealing with a man of business, how well they might try to pull off deception. However, there are three choices when it comes to the Canal General. A, the terms I have set forth; namely full rates for all ships with a ten-year exception for British military ships. B, a full renegotiation of the contract, with me on, behalf of the Egyptian government and all everything and all issues are on the table for that, not a revision, a new contract whole cloth. Or C, the Egyptian government declares the contract illegal, and seizes full control of the canal and the British bankers will have a very large write off for their depositors." Woolsley replies "Mr. Eastman, we need to continue to work on your first proposal. The second could also be pursued, but would not be ideal. The third would be deemed unacceptable by both myself and my Queen. If we are to use the canal it would make sense for there to be a base in Egypt. Ships would need to be able to resupply before the long journey to follow. And to maintain the proper security, we would need to manage it. Perhaps some type of lease agreement could be negotiated. You proposed a ten-year time frame, that might be appropriate for the lease, provided there was a clear methodology and conditions for further extensions." George replies "The first proposal is a good starting point. It makes economic sense for Egypt to receive a fair price, and ethical and legal for everyone to pay a fair price. British merchant ships will be able to dock and purchase coal and supplies as any other vessel will be able to. British military vessels will be given priority berthing in Port Said and Alexandria, and may lease a coal depot and supply warehouse in the port district that may be supplied with a limited military garrison in those two ports only. British naval vessels will further be able to use the Canal at the discounted rate. Those depots and the discounted rate will apply for a period of 10 years. If the British Navy wishes to extend the lease of port support, discounted shipping rates and priority berthing when the 10 year period is up, the lease may be renewed by the Pharaoh at her discretion. There is no further need for any military presence by any foreign government in Egypt. The British Navy will be the only entity to have such an arrangement. That will provide the,....strategic advantage I think that you are seeking. It will also facilitate the reach of the British Empire into South Asia and East Asia which you desire. The small garrison that is permitted will provide the peace of mind for the British Empire that their necessary supplies are present and ready for a quick resupply. I think this addresses all of your concerns General." says George giving a glance over to Drury-Lowe for any kind of signal as to his disposition on it. Drury-Lowe nods to the affirmative and then leans over and whispers something to General Woolsley. The General says, "I believe that we have a strong foundation for an agreement although I suspect that you and I may have differences in opinion as to what constitutes a small garrison. I will remind you that the British Fleet often travel in convoys of ten to fifteen ships for long voyages, all of which would need simultaneous berthing facilities, security and the ability to be resupplied as quickly as possible. General Drury-Lowe has suggested that you and I both takes some time now to consider that, and hopefully my minimum requirements and your maximum requirements will not be that far apart." "I think that a moment to contemplate would be well warranted. Let us take a recess for a while. Then we can work out specific logistics. As to berthing, with actual revenue being generated from the Canal, not only can the loan be repaid on time, but upgrades and expansion of those ports can be funded to ensure adequate facilities for all vessels." replies George who stands and signals the guards that they stand in recess. George heads over to the side board for a glass of water. He finishes it as the British delegation leaves. After the door closes he heads back to Amisi and Hassan. "Well this is going better than I had hoped. We will need you to get the rebels on board to patrol the canal Hassan to pull this off. I think maybe we need a public ceremony from all the rebels and their commanders to swear allegiance to Neferka in the name of Bast. I think that will help legitimize them a bit. Of course, we should weed out everyone who is untrustworthy, but I bet this deal will re-establish faith in the monarchy for nearly all of them." Colonel Hassan says, "I agree. I suspect that the British will want to retain the footprint of the current base that they have established in Alexandria as their garrison. If we are flexible on that point, and focus instead on reducing the compliment of people stationed there, I believe that we will be able to come to an understanding. As they have not had time yet to build anything at either Port Said or the town of Suez they will not be as inflexible about those locations. If we are to have the former rebels there it might be better to keep the British only in Alexandria rather than either of those other two communities. As to which rebels to retain, that will be a subject that I suspect General Orabi and I may have strong disagreements about. Personally, I would prefer that Orabi no longer command them at all." George says, "Ahmed Orabi will no longer be a member of the military, not even an honorary position granted him by virtue of his marriage. He will still be required to swear allegiance along with his troops, but then he is a civilian. He gets no say in the matter. I want you to come up with a list of all commissioned officers you want to keep from the rebel garrisons. We will put a royalist general in charge of the entire force, but Orabi gets no say. I think if we keep the NCOs we will maintain the loyalty of the rank and file we do keep. As you suggested we will start out with a smaller force of the rebels. Any one not retained for that can be eligible for re-enlisting, with loss of all rank, and subject to inquiry for suitability based on past records. These men should be integrated into the main army, not the canal force. I am sure most of the men were simply following orders and so it is the officers we need to pare down the most. In fact, would you like to head the force? Full latitude on who you get to keep and I know you would keep dissent down and I need someone out there who can get the port working at full steam and enforce the new full rates. Think about it Hassan. As to forces, I think you have something there. Letting them keep the size, but restricting manpower will be good, I want to prevent a build up of potential there. That will work well as their main resupply area. With the current footprint, they may have enough slips to house what they need. Maybe Said can be an over-flow station. Of course if we restrict them to say a small garrison of 50 men of so there, I don't think they would bother the rebels much." smirks George. "And you Princess, how are you following these discussions? Any questions or concerns?" She acts startled at being asked for her opinion. She states, "My command of your language is not very good and those men spoke it differently that you Mr. Eastman. I was following along as the scribe wrote. You appear to have the situation well in hand." Colonel Hassan says, "Well, let us hope that your sister feels the same way. We should go update the Queen as to our progress." [/QUOTE]
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