CHAPTER XIV

THE REVIVAL OF FRANCE

1880-1881

Change of Government in England and reversal of Foreign Policy--The French Embassy in London: Freycinet's model Ambassador--Personal characteristics of Lord Lyons: _On ne lui connait pas de vice_--The work at the Paris Embassy--The Eastern Question: Mr. Goschen at Constantinople--The Dulcigno Demonstration and the difficulties of the European Concert--Proposal to seize Smyrna--Opportune surrender of the Sultan--H.M. Government and the Pope: Mission of Mr. Errington, M.P.--Gambetta on the European situation--French expedition to Tunis--Ineffectual objections of H.M. Government--Establishment of French Protectorate over Tunis--Irritation in England and Italy--Distinction drawn between Tunis and Tripoli--Attempt to negotiate a new Anglo-French Commercial Treaty: Question of Retaliation 209