'The Seven Independent Arabian States [Yemen, ‘Asir, Hijaz, Najd, Kuwait, Jabal Shammar and al-Jawf]' [‎266r] (531/680)

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Our case is therefore strong one, and we agree that line must be fixed on the
and and on the maps as basis of subsequent negotiations, and consider that
should form first term of reference to the Ro„.,,l. ro fv j
6 r . , ,■ ,■ , . ; , ' uegouations, and consider that
this should form first term of reference to the Boundary Commission proposed
We realise that you are averse to any intervention of League of Nations (Wo T,„1U
Office letter No. P.Z, 2820/34. 1st May 1934, (No.
convinced by past and piesent attitude of Chinese Government that nothing can
be accomplished by direct negotiation without outside intervention to influence
them. We therefore support Burma Government's proposal for a neutral arbitrator
to be provided by the League of Nations. Chinese can hardly justifv refusal to
accept^ such a proposal, and we should have nothing to fear from" the award.
0 u. r « ^., c ^.u.uu nave aotnmg to tear Irom the award.
Should Chinese Government agree to Boundary Commission with arbitrator we
should be prepared to promise, in advance, adjustment of Convention line by
negotiation in spirit of mutual compromise, as is, indeed, required bv Article VI
of 1897 Convention.
4. We are opposed to the suggestion that the issue should be complicated by
raising the question of the de facto frontier north of latitude 25° 35'. An attempt
to force an agreement on other sections of the frontier will complicate the issues
and create further important difficulties such as are likely to postpone a decision
indefinitely. Mutual concessions should, in our opinion, be confined to adjustment
of the Convention line in the Wa States' sector on the basis of Article VI of 1897
Convention. We suggest also that these adjustments might form subsidiary term
of reference to Boundary Commission.
5. We suggest therefore that Minister at Poking be authorised to propose to
Chinese Government appointment of Boundary Commission with League of Nations
arbitrator to assemble on the frontier on 15th December (see Burma telegram to
Peking, 118, 10th August) (No. 71). In this event, attendance of Burma represen
tatives at Nanking will, in our opinion, be unnecessary. Our representatives on
the Boundary Commission could suitably be Commissioner, Federated Shan States,
and perhaps Barton. See Burma telegrams 122 (No. 78), 16th August, and
137 (No. 84), 20th September, paragraph 6.
6. Burma Government's proposal (h). We are strongly opposed on military
grounds to the proposal to occupy the whole of the disputed area up to the Scott
Line. Exact location of boundary on this frontier is, in our opinion, matter of no
strategic importance, and the accomplishment of the object would involve prolonged
and expensive military operations which could not be completed in one dry season.
Rear and forward communications are absent and would have to be constructed
through a difficult country. Troops would have to be maintained in forward area
for indefinite period, involving heavy expenditure on maintenance of military
garrisons at end of precarious communications during wet season. Area is most
unhealthy and unsuitable for military operations, and opposition from enemy whose
fighting value is low is likely to be less than that presented by topography and
climate of the country. Our conclusion is that, if occupation up to Scott Line is to
be result of breakdown of negotiations of conference or Boundary Commission, we
should do all that we can to prevent such breakdown.
Time is not of great importance, and if Chinese are reluctant to reach
agreement we can, without sacrifice of essential aspirations, acquiesce in delays
Similar reasoning applies to proposal for extension of civil administration up to
Convention line. Government of India are. in any case, not prepared to face
expenditure from central revenues on despatch and maintenance of regular troops
in this area, unless such action is forced on them by Chinese aggression or on
extension of civil administration.
7. It remains to consider immediate dispositions pending appointment of
Boundary Commission and during its operations. During this period we may
anticipate possible raids by irregulars or brigands, and we think that policy should
generally be that stated in your telegram 1491, 7th June. No change would
be made in present dispositions of Military Police and troops unless situation
deteriorates, and escorts for Commission would be found by Military Police.
Liuchen Line in the northern sector on the Lufang-Hopang front would be
maintained and hostile forces crossing it attacked ; pursuit across the border into
the disputed area being permitted if warranted by the military situation.
Plans should be prepared and troops held in readiness to move via Tahsaileng
to the vicinity of Mongmau, should the Chinese invade this area, our policy