The Kingdom of Egypt 265
while Zaglul still retains an extra-constitutional position
and power comparable to that of Mustapha Kernel or
Mussolini,
The Constitution was not finally passed without another
struggle ; but this time not with an Egyptian Sultan,
newly promoted King, but with a British Protector, now
become a plenipotentiary. For the first draft declared
that Egyptian territory included the Sudan and that
Fuad's title should be ct King of Egypt and the Sudan."
This was an ingenious nationalist device for dividing the
British and the King and for challenging the British on
an issue of intense interest to the nation. That it was a
new departure, ignoring the basis of the Sudanese con-
dominium of 1899 and of the Declaration of Independence
of 1922, did not so much matter. But when it was found
that it might result in a British annexation of the Sudan
the objectionable clauses were withdrawn (February 3,
1923). The dispute served, however, for a renewal of
disorders. Tewfik Nessim resigned, and a number of
British soldiers were injured by bombs (February 27,
March 4). There was thereafter some difficulty in find-
ing a co-operator courageous enough to complete the
constituent task. This was finally accomplished by Yehia
Ibrahim Pasha, an ex-Minister of Education.
The new Constitution was based on the ground plan
of that of Belgium, but in course of construction grew
in a way that is very significant of the King's efforts to
retain the Khedival prerogatives. The choice of Belgium
was obvious as being a constitutional monarchy with
French culture and of allied, but not British, associations.
Its first article defines the new nation as '' a sovereign
State, free and independent." Its rights of sovereignty
are indivisible and inalienable. Its government is that of
a hereditary monarchy with representative institutions.