No new policy has been decided on for Egypt, and
so far as is known, there is no idea of quitting that country ; but the British garrison is being rapidly reduced, and within a few weeks will number only 5,000 men. The change does not signify while we command the sea, but it must increase the Egyptian belief that the English will depart soon, and so hamper the Adminis- tration. We presume the change has been made in deference to French susceptibilities, as a guarantee that we will go if we can ; but will a visible decline in local strength help us to go ? Quitting Egypt is a policy, occupying Egypt is a policy, and neutralising Egypt is a policy ; but minimising the appearance of occupation, while clinging to the reality, does not strike us as a policy at all. It does not secure either order in the Valley, or British irresponsibility for disorder, and will not content even the bondholders, who care about security as much as about the condition of the Egyptian Treasury.
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