In the first place, there is the question of the Nile. At present we are the only civilized nation that has access to the Nile, and if only in view of the vital interest of the Nile to Egypt, and the peril to Egypt of any diversion of its stream, it is extremely important that we should remain so. But other nations are anxious to obtain a footing on it. The Congo State is asking for the cession of a territory which will give access to it, which we, in view of the extreme probability, to say no more, of the reversion of the Congo State to France, are unwilling to grant. France herself is making for the Nile from the west by trying to force down the boundary-line with the Congo State, so as to give her a route to the Nile, north of the Congo State, from her possessions in the French Congo. Italy on the east is pushing in the same direction. Germany would probably take advantage of our evacuation to step in. Uganda is no doubt outside her sphere of influence. But if we go, and there is a chaos of blood and destruction after our departure, the Germans, whom the Catholics have already thought of summoning, will have a right, in the name of humanity, to come and occupy this long-coveted territory, and to take up the civilizing work that we have abandoned as beyond our strength. I do not say that it is possible permanently to preserve the Nile for Great Britain and for Egypt, but I do say that if we abandon Uganda, we lose at once and by that fact the control of the Nile.

Reprinted by permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office.