236 LORD ELGIN'S REPORT April in India : and yet it cannot be doubted that, if we retire beyond the Mediterranean, we can exercize no effectual interference either to prevent or to modify such events ; and have no other resource to counteract them than expensive and extensive measures, similar to those lately found necessary for the recovery of Egypt. If, however, we retain Malta, Great Britain will be able, under all probable occurrences in the Levant,, to adopt that line of conduct respecting them, which may at the time the best suit her situation. She may from Malta either interpose a great degree of influence, or she may carry on vigorous operations : or (which appears the most likely) she may be at liberty to remain a passive observer of the affairs in the Levant.' The report then points out how desirable a base Malta would be for British trade with the Levant, now jeopardized by the exclusive rights of commercial navigation enjoyed by France in the Black Sea.
