Then he wrote a long telegram upon a cable form.
The telegram stated that the position of matters was grave, and that it was of the utmost importance that the colony should secure the services of someone of proved ability, firmness and energy.
In the course of the speech he also read a telegram from President Steyn, in which the president repudiated all contemplated aggressive action on the part of the Free State as absurd.
Significant of the attitude of Germany - whose " flirtation " with the Transvaal has been noted - was an open telegram sent by the emperor William II.
On the 26th of June 1879 Ismail suddenly received from the sultan a curt telegram, addressed to him as ex-khedive of Egypt, informing him that his son Tewfik was appointed his successor.
