By the convention which was thus concluded the four Powers undertook actively to assist the Sultan to reduce the Pasha to submission--Austria and Great Britain engaging to intercept all communication by sea between Egypt and Syria. To this instrument was annexed a _Separate Act_ in which were laid down the terms which the Porte purposed to offer to Mehemet Ali. The hereditary tenure of Egypt was to be conferred upon him together with the governorship for life of the greater part of the pashalic of Acre. But, if he should not accede to these conditions within a space of ten days, the offer of Acre would be withdrawn. A further delay of ten days would, however, be accorded him in which to consider the second proposal which would be limited to the hereditary pashalic of Egypt. If, after the specified term had elapsed, he should still refuse to accept the proffered conditions, the Sultan would be free to bring the negotiations to a conclusion and "to follow such ulterior course as his own interests and the counsels of his allies might suggest to him." In a third document, known as _The Reserved Protocol_, it was laid down that, inasmuch as "the state of affairs in Syria, the interests of humanity and grave considerations of European policy" made it desirable that active operations should begin with as little delay as possible, the naval measures to which Austria and Great Britain were pledged would be initiated at once, without waiting for the ratification of the convention.[574]