File 705/1916 Pt 1 'Arab revolt: reports' [‎295r] (137/494)

For the machine and mountain guns—of which at present he has none—he
would prefer trained Moslem crews and officers.
In answer to this request, Cairo originally hoped to send the machine
guns and mountain guns on 17th J une, together with 1,500 tons of stores
and 20,0000 in cash for the Medina force, providing that the revolt proved
genuine. When the outbreak was confirmed, steps were immediately taken.
As a preliminary measure of relief, necessary owing to the shortage of food
among the Arab troops North of Jeddah and the consequent danger of their
becoming demoralised (as reported by Areifan), the Naval Authorities on
the 18th June reopened Jeddah and the North Hejaz ports to restricted
trade from Sudan.
For two reasons., however, the despatch of machine and mountain
guns (which are available in Egypt) seems to have been delayed ; first, the
vast accumulation of other stores for the Sherif tends to monopolise the
available transport; secondly, it has not been possible to provide adequate
Moslem gun crews at such short notice. In view of the latter difficulty,
the Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. has proposed that a complete Egyptian field artillery battery
under a Senior Egyptian Colonel should be sent. Soudanese are not
available, though semi-trained crews might be raised in six weeks, and the
Sultan of Egypt believes that, if care be taken not to send anyone with
religious scruples, Egyptians would prove trustworthy. This scheme awaits
sanction.
The Attitude of the Indian Government.
The policy of doing anything that may interfere with the Ilaj has been
criticised by the Indian Government, who are concerned at the effect that
such action may have on Indian Moslem feeling.
The Indian Government has pointed out that the policy of keeping the
Holy Places of Hejaz out of the arena has had valuable results in India ;
and that it was out of deference to Cairo, and with reluctance, that they
agreed in the first instance to the blockade. In view of its institution the
liaj Committee at Bombay felt it necessary recently to issue circulars tending
to discourage intending pilgrims. ,
The recent naval action at Jeddah has in consequence been viewed in
India with grave apprehension. It is thought there that any aggressive
policy in the neighbourhood of Jeddah will be hard to reconcile primd facie
with the Allies’ formal promise not to violate the Holy Places. Simla has
warned the authorities of the danger of making such action public.
In anticipation of these views, precaution had been taken to prevent any
news from being published. Secret information has been given to the
French and Russian Governments, who have been kept posted with the
various phases of the movement.
The attitude of the Indian Government with regard to the Arabian
problem is epitomised in the telegrams reprinted below .
(.4) The Blockade and the A aval Operat ions off Jedda.
“ Prom Viceroy, Foreign Department, 2nd June 191b.
“ (Repeated to Cairo.)
“ Secret. Blockade of Hedjaz. As anticipated we have received serious warning from
Bombay Government regarding probable effects on Indian Moslem feeling ot stopping Hay
Undoubtedly proclaimed policy of His Majesty's Government at beginning of war to keep
Hedjaz outside theatre of operations, and to extend differential treatment to Jeddah has been
of enormous political value in East generally, and stoppage of Ha, "T^Ywkadc and°in
effect of that policy. In deference to Cairo s views we reluctantly agreed to blockade, and m
consequence are faced with Haj difficulty. Bombay Government enquires whether it would not
be possible to arrange at any rate for one ship to proceed to Jeddah with sufficient foodstuffs foi
pilgrims during pilgrimage Turner Morrison who might possibly provide ship, are pressing
for some definite pronouncement. We should be glad to know as soon as possible what
prospects are, though we fully realise that everything must depend upon developments m
Hedjaz Could not High Commissioner now ascertain from bherd his dehmte views
regarding Haj ? In the meantime Haj Committee, Bombay, have been umwlbmji
persuaded to issue circular discouraging intending pilgiims.