A decorative telegram form produced for the Marconi Radio Telegraph Company of Egypt. In 1914 a Marconi radio station was built at Cairo, working in competition with the Eastern Telegraph Company’s cables until the late 1920’s when the two services were combined.

EGYPT’S LINKS WITH the early cable companies began in 1868 when a cable was laid from Malta to Alexandria by the Anglo-Mediterranean Telegraph Company. This formed part of the London to Bombay cable system which was completed in 1870. As the operator of international telegraphs, the company’s staff were responsible for keeping lines of communication open in times of crisis. This was most acute when in 1876 an international ‘Caisse de la Dette Publique’ was established at Cairo to deal with Egypt’s national debt and in 1882, when there were riots in Alexandria. Eastern Telegraph, and subsequently Cable & Wireless, continued to operate at Alexandria and Cairo throughout the Second World War until, in 1956, the Egyptian government sequestrated Cable & Wireless assets after the Suez campaign.

British and Egyptian Soldiers during riots caused by the imposition of British and French Ministers to oversee the economic reforms. Eastern Telegraph Company staff remained at their posts throughout the the riots and their efficiency and reliability served to enhance the British Government’s opinion of the company.

See Also
Anglo-Mediterranean Telegraph Company Radio 1907 to 1928 Second World War Eastern Telegraph Company India 1860s – 1920s