Coll 29/86 'Diplomatic and consular expenditure: incidence; revision; general' [‎8r] (15/561)

OUTWARD TELEGRAM
TCx tn-nripi i r ^-oartmen t
COPY
CYPHSP . T SLBGR M
Secretary of State for India
From
Viceroy
Despatched SO*10 houre ? 27th November 1946 .
B1PQRTMT
N O.SQ77Q * ' •
Your telegram 245^3 of 22nd November. We Intend to
approach G-overnment of India officially with a view to transfer
to the direct responsibility of KvM.O. of political posts in^
the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , expenditure on which would be borne entirely
by the Exchequer with effect from earliest convenient date,
not later than commencement of next financial year,
2» Matter has, however, been held up for decision whether
the Foreign Office or Colonial office should be eventual heir
and whether in the interim period India office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Vote should
tear expenditure. As soon ae decision on this point has^ been
taken by Ministers* approach will be made. We shall wish to
negotiate with Government of India for transfer to direct
control of of personnel, buildings and other facilities
required for* the administration#
to diplomatic and consular expenditure in Persia, but this has
should prefer to leave question of separate U.K. unu Indian
representation-'in Afghanistan and Nepal until Government of
India themselves raise matter* But Foreign office are anxious
to attach one ,or two U.K# Foreign Service men, in junior ranks,
to Kabul Legation and to offer to share expenses of the pest*
ir you think that these proposals could be put to the
Government of India now with a prospect of ami Cable settlement
and without raising whole question of anomalous position of
Kabul Legation, we are ready to start negotiations. But
Foreign Secretary is nervous lest Indian Government might
attempt to evict Squire from Legation building, with consequin
loss of face vis-a-vis Afghans and Russians, and we should be #
reluctant to run this risk by precipitate action*
.
5« Similar considerations apply in respect of Katmandu
Legation which must obviously maintain for'negotiations
with Nepal for employment of Gurkhas.
5o Foreign office are awaiting recommendations of H.M.
Ambassador, Tehran,, regarding consular poete to be maintained
by tj*K* Government when Indian revenues no longer contribute
been held up by Shrine 1 s absence in India,
r
4
For reason a given in my letter of 20 th September* X
$
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