Ext 5050/43 ‘Formation of an Arab Centre in the Middle East for providing selected British officers with knowledge of Arabic, Arab countries and Middle East problems’ [‎54r] (107/190)

P Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. ,
iatlx Febru * ry * l- 46
Prom
The Hoa^blo iSlr jeofi'rey Prior, X.C.I.E.,
Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. , Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
Bushl^e.
To
The secretary to the Government of India
in the Gxtern^l Affairs Depart-lent,
g e a D e lM>
Gir
I lievo the honour to cnclouc for the infomation
of the Government of India a copy of a note on the
Centre of Arab GtudLes in the niddle liast, together
with its 3yllabas # It will be seen that this is of a
very comprehensive nature, and ^ives some idea of the
immense diversity of interests which make up what we
know as the Arab world. I was a little doubtful at
the outset lest the Centre night not be organised on a
very practical basis, and that the Services would be un
willing to spare suitable en as candidates. In this
connection I enclose a note by injor Uic cintothan, who
. like myself wns son©what critical of the scheme at its
outset, in which he makes it cleer that the scheme has
proved a ^reat success, and is filling a very real ^eed.
2. At the preseht moment our cadre is practically
bankrupt of officers of Arab experience and we have had
to make do with a very limited number who acquire^ such
knowledge as they can while doing a fill de/’e work at
their political duties. It is clear that in the future
we shall be completely outclassed unless we are prepared
to give Gulf of leers better training, and I therefore
re com'end that the Government of India .should oemit,
lajor Hicklnbotham to proceed to Gerusaleu before the
commence ent of his leave and se-* whether he can induce
one or two of these young sen to throw in their lot with
us on the completion of their course. Nr. Bertram Thomas
has been a good friend of the Government of India and I am
sure he would be prepared to help us in this natter if his
assistance were sought., It is clear triat unless Vvr ry early
action is taken our cadre in the Gulf will collapse.
enclosures to His lajesty*s Gecretary of State for India.
I am sending a copy of this letter with its
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
*
Your most obedient servant
3 d GEOFFREY PRIOR
DLG
Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. , Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran.