The French Government did not look to the exclusive control of Britain over Egypt with favour. The French Premier declared in 1887, If a great power installed itself definitely in Egypt, it would be a very grave blow at the influence of France in the Mediterranean, and in my opinion France should never accustom herself to the idea.” France even tried to enlist Germany’s support on this issue, but did not succeed.
As a result, a feeling of resentment against the English continued to persist in France for some time. This resentment subsided after the conclusion of the Anglo-French Convention of 1904.
Under this Convention France recognized the British position in Egypt in return for the British recognition of the French claims in Morocco. Bismarck showed an altitude of complacency towards Britain’s policy in Egypt in the hope that this would encourage drift between Britain and France and render France isolated. He also considered the British friendship essential for the policy of colonial expansion, on which Germany had already embarked.