Wed July 7 [7 July 1909] Met Hugh Poynter in the street and went with
him to the Debt where he introduced me to a charming Persian. We
took another official and tried to get into St Irene but failed. Went into
St Sofia. Husni came to lunch and we went to the Chamber where
they were discussing the Army Law. The Xians have forced their
hand about it but they recognize that the difficulties are very great.
One man got up and said: This is an army question, why is the
Minister for War not here? Significant. The Committee and Parl(?) are
furious with Ferid because he treats them with contempt. When the
question arose of the undersecretaries of state being deputies, not
appointed off hand by the Grand Vizier, the bill which was a govt bill,
was thrown into the chamber and left to take its chance. It was not
carried because the committee had not the necessary 2/3 [two thirds]
majority. Ferid and his family treat the new men with contempt, never
forgetting that F. was Grand Vizier, and a year ago would not so much
as have received the men who now play so great a role. Yet he is
tassÈ and they are admirable for devotion and patriotism. Husni says
he was really surprised to see the spirit shown by unknown little
officers of the army, their patriotism. Nureddin said to him the other
day "Where is the Committee landing us?" He felt inclined to say
Where did your Father land us?" He came back to tea and talked
long in defence of the Committee and of the necessity of getting rid of
people whom they cd not trust. In the House it was most curious to
see the modern Turk or Greek side by side with Arab and Yemen
deputies. Order not very good chiefly owing to the bad tribune
system. Dined with the Hugh Poynters and met Dr Simeaur[?] - if that
is how he spells it.