Papers of the War Cabinet's Eastern Committee [‎147r] (293/544)

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We are therefore reluctant to press forward to an immediate decision the question
of introducing foreign officers at a moment when it does not seem absolutely necessary
for us to commit ourselves definitely.
On the other hand, His Majesty’s Government are ready, in order to strengthen
the position of Yossugh-ed-Dowleh’s Cabinet, or any Persian Government actively
friendly to us, to make such other proposals witli a view to the permanent improvement
of the relations between the two countries as may safely be made.
To this end you are authorised to inform the Prime Minister that
1. Great Britain reiterates categorically her determination to respect the independ
ence of Persia.
2. She undertakes as soon as a Russian Government exists which she can recognise,
to press for abrogation of Anglo-Russian Convention, and in the meanwhile regards it as
being in suspense.
The suggested transfer of the South Persia Rifles to the Governor-General of Fara
is in itself attractive, but is rendered rather difficult of acceptance in view of the fact
that Far man Farma’s tenure of that office appears precarious (see last paragraph of
vour telegram No. 883 of the 14th October). But it some guarantee could be given
that we should be entitled to veto the appointment of any future Governor-General of
Pars, we would gladly consider the transfer of this force.
As regards the desire of Persia to be represented at the Peace (conference, it will
clear! v be impossible to make in her favour an exception to the principle on which the
Allies are acting towards other non-belligerent nations. The suggestion that Great
Britain should represent Persia at the Conference seems open to the objection that this
would have the appearance of our assuming the role of a Protecting Power.
We have, however, recently given an assurance (see my telegram No. 539 of the
16th October) that His Majesty’s Government would not entertain any proposal that
might be made by Turks regarding cession to Turkey of any Persian territory in
Azerbaijan. His Majesty’s Government would also be prepared to discuss with Persian
Cabinet how Persian interests should be generally safeguarded at the Peace Conference,
and possible understanding whereby His Majesty’s Government would engage not to
aoree at Conference to any territorial or other arrangement affecting Persian interests
except on lines acceptable to Persia, and in accordance with promise of Hig Majesty’s
Government to respect Persia’s independence.
I should be ulad to receive your observations on above points.
(Repeated to India.) . . ^
(Initialled) R. C.
APPENDIX (D).
Mr. Balfour to Sir P. Cox.
(No. 55G.)
(Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, October 24, 1918.
YOUR telegram No. 856 of the 1st October.
1. Whole question of future relations of His Majesty’s Government with Persia has
been carefully considered. . .
2. Guiding principle must be the permanent maintenance of British influence in
country bordering on Indian Empire, not any temporary expedient to meet a sudden
and passing emergency. With this object His Majesty’s Government are anxious to see
in Persia a Government friendly to them, and as competent as is possible, and they
reo-ard Yossuk-ed-Dowleh as a suitable Minister. It is not, indeed, so important now
as it was a few weeks ago to secure his services in that position. Then he seemed the
only alternative to an administration definitely hostile to this country. Now that is
probably not true. Still we should decidedly regret his disappearance from office.
3. In these circumstances His Majesty’s Government are not convinced that there
is any justification for entering into agreement such as that proposed in respect of the
South Persia Rifles, which might eventually turn out not to be in the best interests
either of Persia or this country.
4. There are obvious objections to acceptance of an arrangement whereby the
gendarmerie paid by us is officered by another nation, and our experience of foreigners
in Persia has not been reassuring.