Rebellion and Independence 259 Instead of the usual official lucubration in which a jam made up of a pontifical lecture, a leading article and a legal pleading conceals a powder which the patient strongly suspects of being poison, we have here the gift of a whole loaf, both short and sweet. It is worth giving in full as an example to those who still believe in jam- and-powder and half-a-loaf diplomacy : " Whereas His Majesty's Government, in accord- ance with their declared intentions, desire forthwith to recognise Egypt as an independent sovereign State ; and "Whereas the relations between His Majesty's Government and Egypt are of vital interest to the British Empire ; * * The following principles are hereby declared : (t i. The British Protectorate over Egypt is ter- minated, and Egypt is declared to be an independent sovereign State. "2. So soon as the Government of His Highness shall pass an Act of Indemnity with application to all inhabitants of Egypt, martial law, as proclaimed on November 2, 1914, shall be withdrawn. " 3. The following matters are absolutely reserved to the discretion of His Majesty's Government until such time as it may be possible by free discussion and friendly accommodation on both sides to conclude agreements in regard thereto between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Egypt: " (a) The security of the communications of the British Empire in Egypt. €< (b) The defence of Egypt against all foreign aggression or interference, direct or indirect.