The Times coverage of the British policy in Egypt during the First World War: propaganda and disinformation

The British occupation of Egypt in ۱۸۸۲ was the starting point of an oscillating policy between retreat and annexation. The First World War resolved the matter when Britain declared Egypt a British protectorate on December ۱۷, ۱۹۱۴. That decision put an end to the ottoman Empire suzerainty over Egypt. More importantly, the Suez Canal, Britain's high way to the Indians colonies, came under direct military control of Britain. The reaction of the sublime Port together with the central powers was a surprise attack of the Suez Canal in early February ۱۹۱۵. The calling of the Sultan for Jihad and an Islamic revolution in Egypt was the last attempt to save the collapsing Empire. However, that proved disastrous for Turkey influence in the region. Reaction of the press either in Britain and in Egypt was either a supporter of the British policy and the annexation of Egypt or rather a critique of the British policy in the region. The focus in this paper is on The Times’ coverage of the British policy in Egypt during the period described above, that is after the outbreak of the First World War. It is an attempt to understand how the British press reported the British policy in Egypt during that period. The focus will be on the propagandist role of The Times and its impact on the British policy in Egypt, mainly after imposing the protectorate status. It also explores the consequences of the War on the political situation in Egypt and the disinformation strategy of the government. In other words, it aims at highlighting the strong relationship that existed between the media represented by The Times and policy makers. Applying a methodology of press analysis based on the thematic study of the articles published during that period and which dealt with the situation in Egypt, this study will consider the editorial policy of the paper and compare it with the real situation on the ground as it was described by the historians. On the light of our conclusions, we will determine to what extent had The Times been committed in the shaping of the British policy in Egypt and influencing the public opinion in Britain.

Keywords:

Egypt , The First World War , The Times , British occupation , Suez Canal , propaganda , Egyptian Labour Corps , Saad Zaghlul , Lord Northcliff