Take this Egyptian business as an example.

In 1881 there was nothing in this world further from the minds of our people than any interference with Egypt; and yet 1882 left us in possession of the country.

There was never any choice in the chain of events.

A massacre in the streets of Alexandria, and the mounting of guns to drive out our fleet--which was there, you understand, in fulfilment of solemn treaty obligations--led to the bombardment.

The bombardment led to a landing to save the city from destruction.