The negotiations between Great Britain and Italy on the delimitation
of Abyssinia proceed but slowly, the point in dispute not being the coast-line, but the possession of Kassala, now occupied by the Mahdists. Kassala is the key to Abyssinia from the westward, and the Italians say it must be occupied either by themselves or by the British. The British are, however, unwilling to occupy it just now, as that would involve an expedition, and unwilling to cede it, on behalf of Egypt, to the Italians, because if we ascend the Nile the position would be valuable, and because Egyptian opinion is against it. No quarrel is probable over the problem, as the Governments intend to remain friendly ; but it is one exceedingly difficult of solution. We would venture to suggest that Kassala should be leased by Egypt to Italy for twenty years, with a power of redemption on payment of a reason- able fine within that period. If we should ever want the place, we could then take it ; while the military difficulty pleaded by the Italian Government would at once be obviated.
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