But we have on our hands a sick man--a very sick man: he may suddenly die.

Is it not the part of prudence for us to come to an understanding regarding what should be done in case of such a catastrophe?
It may as well be understood at once that I should never permit an attempt to reconstruct a Byzantine Empire, and still less should I allow the partition of Turkey into small republics--ready-made asylums for Kossuths and Mazzinis and European revolutionists; and I also tell you very frankly that I should never permit England or any of the Powers to have a foothold in Constantinople.
I am willing to bind myself also not to occupy it--except, perhaps, as a guardian.

But I should have no objection to your occupying Egypt.

I quite understand its importance to your government--and perhaps the island of Candia might suit you.

I see no objection to that island becoming also an English possession.