‘Novice’ or ‘heaven‐born’ diplomat? Lord Dufferin's plan for a ‘province of Syria’: Beirut, 1860–61

Abstract

We are now prepared to accede at once to the Sultan's application for immediate naval assistance, but at the same time are anxious to preserve his empire from dissolution or dismemberment, considering it to be an essential element in the balance of power ... we ought to tell the Pasha forthwith to retire to Egypt ... it is very doubtful whether it could be for the advantage of England that the Sultan should be so weakened and that a new state should be created in Egypt, Syria and Baghdad. [This] would render him still less able than he is now to resist Russia, and that he would really become her vassal ... This is by no means what we wish ... Russia would soon come to an understanding with the new Sovereign [Muhammad Ali]. Persia would probably be nibbled at by both, and their union might produce inconvenient consequences for our Eastern possessions.'