Papers of the Interdepartmental Conference on Middle Eastern Affairs [‎36r] (71/290)

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which there are over eighty of the total population. Bolshevism appeals to them by
holding out the achievement of the ideal Socialistic State in a minimum of time.
Leaders appeal to the baser instincts of the mob, and ply them with paper money which,
as long as the Bolshevist State exists, is able to purchase them all they require. Probably
the fact that most of the Georgian peasants read and write has done a great deal to
save Georgia from the extreme form of Socialism.
General. —To sum up the general situation in Tiflis, the following points seem to
deserve consideration :—
1 . A defined policy on the part of the Allies as to the independence of Georgia and
other small States.
2 . An agreement with the anti-Socialist elements ot Russia, whereby they shall for
the present confine their energies to fighting Bolshevism, and leave small
States who are able to keep comparative order to look after themselves, at
least until such time as the Paris Conference settles their destinies.
3 . Allied support of such elements in Russia as are fighting for the convening of
the Executive Assembly, not such elements as wish to force an Emperor on
the throne.
4 . To maintain the present Government in Georgia, supporting the more democratic
elements, and guide the whole into more liberal course, and so discount the
extremists.
5 . To endeavour to support elements wishing to combat Bolshevism from the
north and prevent the Georgian army from becoming infected, and to retain
a large and reliable force in Georgia.
6 . A settlement of the Armenian question by making them sever connection with
all counter-revolutionary elements in Russia, and a complete dissolution of
their political societies, especially the Dachnachatsoun.
Itsued by General Staff “ Intelligence” British Salonika Force, Constantinople,
January 27, 1919.
APPENDIX III.
Memorandum by Admiralty.
1 . ON 13th February, at a meeting in the Foreign Office presided over by Earl
Ourzon of Kedleston, it transpired that the total or partial evacuation of Trans-Caspia
has been decided upon.
It is necessary to examine what effect this will have
on the naval situation
2 . The Naval Forces on the Caspian :—
British.
Ship.
Kruger
Armament.
2—4-in. Q.F.
Emile Nobel
1—12 pr.
1—4'7-in.
Slava ...
2—4-in. Q.F.
1—4’7-in.
Venture...
1— 12 pr.
2— 4-in. B.L.
Asia
...
1—4-in. Q.F.
Alla Verdi
1— 12 pr.
2— 4-in. B.L.
Bibiabat
...
4—12 pr.
Zoroaster
...
2—4‘7-in.
Depdt for C.M.Bs. and seaplane carrier in course of preparation.
The following have been, or are being, sent to Baku :—
6 — 6 -in. guns.
4—4-in. guns.
12 coastal motor boats.
Royal Air Force.
1 squadron D.H. 1 ^ 0 f 8 q U adron is operating
9 aeroplanes J r ^ re
1 squadron short seaplanes.
[987]—309
from Petrovsk.
G