ملف ٧٠٥/١٩١٦ الجزء ١ "انتفاضة عربية - تقارير" [ظ‎‎٢‎٣‎٤] (٤٩٤/١٦)

12
Policy of British Government.
The policy of the British Government is to separate as clearly as
possible the religious and political aspects of the Arab revolt. The Indian
Moslems are to be assured on the one hand that the choice or recognition
of a Caliph is acknowledged by England to be a matter for the decision of
Moslems alone, and that the decision when made will be treated with respect
by the British Government, and on the other hand to be reminded that the
Turks have chosen to force hostilities upon the British Empire, and that pro-
Turk propaganda cannot therefore be tolerated. The Viceroy has been
advised to take steps in this sense. Exception was taken by the Indian
Government to the circular telegram, sent from Teheran by Mr. Marling,
under instructions from the Foreign Office, which made public the fact that
British ships had bombarded the Red Sea coast. Arrangements are
accordingly being made that In future nothing should be published in Persia
by the British representative without consulting the Indian Government.
The Viceroy has at the same time been advised to issue a clear statement
denying that the British Fleet shelled the Holy Places.
The Viceroy has also made representations that it is most desirable
that the British connection with the Arab revolt should be, so far as
possible, suppressed; and that, unless a Syrian expedition can be arranged,
the only assistance given to the Sherif should be in money, arms, and
equipment. With regard to the first point he has received satisfactory
assurances from the Foreign Office.
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