Vol.08.p.029

Diary Transcription:

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September 12, 1914 (continued)

against themselves.

Thursday, September 10, 1914

Mr. Arnold (American Diplomatic Agent in Egypt) came out in the late afternoon with two young men teaching in the American College at Beirut. They have all just arrived from Germany, and were all thoroughly filled with the German view of the war as presented by the English translations of statements circulated in Germany. They were all unfamiliar with Germans and ignorant of the German language. The conversation was sharp and I am afraid I fell into my usual vehemence in attacking the German presentation of the matter.

Wednesday, September 16, 1914

We all went in to see the newly arrived Indian troops pass through the streets of Cairo. This is intended to overawe the natives here.
We watched the parade from the terrace of the Continental Hotel. I saw and spoke to Ronald Storrs. He said to me: "We want to get Tel Amarna away from the Germans. We want you to have it. Come in and see me at the Agency."

September 17 to September 21, 1914

Tried twice to arrange meeting with Storrs in regard to forfeiture of German concessions, but he avoided me in a very ungentlemanly manner. Perhaps he feels he has put his foot in it by opening the subject. In view of these hints, it becomes a matter of importance to the expedition to know what the authorities intend to do. I do not wish to take any undue advantage of our German friends, but if the government has determined to deprave them of their privileges, I see no reason why we should allow any other expedition to take up the concessions to our disadvantage.
This afternoon called on Mr. Arnold and requested him to make inquiries regarding the status of the German and Austrian concessions. I said I would be willing, if after the war the Egyptian Government desired it, to resign the concessions to the original holders - in case we obtained the two concessions I mentioned (Tel Amarna and Giza).

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