File 53/1915 Part IV 'German War: Turkey; Caliphate etc' [‎223r] (442/481)

Telegram - P.
Prom - The Secretory to the Government or Inula
in the Foreign and Political Department, Delhi,
To - The General Officer Corananding, Force *D*, Basra.
NO.33-D.0., dated the 10th Hoventer 1915.
Reference correspondence forwarded with my endorsement
2091-H. of 27th October on subject of negotiations between
High CoirmiRsioner, Egypt and Sheriff of Mecca. Subsequent
correspondence shows that High Conmissloner, Egypt, acting
on dincretion given him by London Foreign Office, has
included Basrah and Baghdad Vllayats in territories where
His Majesty's Government are prepared to recognise and
support the independence of the Arebr. High Comiesioner
has modified this by following stipulation. Begins. Arabs
will recognist that established position and interests of
Great Britain with regard to Vilayate of Baghdad and Basrah
heceesitate «necial measures of administrative control In
order to safeguard our mutual economic interests to secure
these territories from foreign aggression and to promote
welfare of local populations. Binds.
Against this surrender of Indian interests in
Mesopotamia we have protested in oti’ongest terms. Secretary
of Stats agrees and is pressing our views on Foreign
Office, London. We have to-day again telegraphed further
proteat; copies of correspondence have been sent by post
Secretary of State thinks, and we agree, that in view
of chaotic position created by McMahon’s assurances, it
would be better for you to issue no proclamation at all on
occupation of Baghdad, except perhaps formal notice calling
to you.
instructlono on thin point will ebortly toe
but further innt
conveyed to you.