October 29, 1888
The Convention of Constantinople was signed by the United Kingdom, Germany, Austro-Hungary, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire, guaranteeing free maritime passage through the Suez Canal during war and peace. However, during World War I, although Egypt declared that the canal would be open to ships of all nations, Britain converted its occupation into a British protectorate and barred Canal access to enemy ships.
