Papers on British policy and the Arab movement [‎145r] (293/380)

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certain ameliorations that have been sympathetically considered by
Dominion Prime Ministers, some of the acerbities of the position are
being removed, and the best construction possible will be placed on the
situation; but the fact remains, and every Indian knows it, that llis
Majesty’s Indian subjects are not welcomed, and indeed barely tolerated,
in many of the countries flying the British flag, and that at present they
do not get in all cases as favourable treatment as other Asiatics, such as
the Japanese. This is undoubtedly resented in India, and is undoubtedly
opposed to the whole principle upon which the Empire is based, a
partnership of free and equal nations and races. But if any sympathy
can be shown to her feelings by definite action, it would make a deep
impression throughout India. German East Africa presents the
opportunity, and if India could be permitted to colonise it she would
have the satisfaction of knowing that at any rate in one substantial
territory she was being given the same opportunity of colonial enterprise
as the European enjoys elsewhere.
15. If German East Africa were made over to the Government of India for adminis
tration and for the regulation of Indian colonisation, it would be a cardinal principle
that this colonisation should be regulated in the interests of the original native
population. The Government of India are proved by the high example that has been
set in India and by the traditions that have characterised British rule there to be
fulty qualified for this new trust, and by employing the Government of India as their
agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. , His Majesty’s Government would be in a position to assert their superior
authority and vindicate their responsibilities. There would be no question of an
Indian monopoly in East African colonisation. There would be no question of India’s
imitating the policy of exclusion adopted by the Dominions. Our policy would be
one which defined the position of the European settler, recognised the special claims
of the Indian colonist and subordinated all to the interest of the African native.
16. If, however, the difficulties in the way of handing the country over to India
are insuperable, it is strongly urged that at least special facilities for colonisation there
should be given to Indian soldiers.
3. Abu Musa.
17. This case has nothing to do with the disposal of conquered territory; but as
it concerns a long-standing dispute with an enemy (German) Government, it may be
conveniently considered in this part of the Memorandum. The island of Abu Musa
belongs to the Sheikh of Shargah, one of the “ Trucial ” chiefs of the Arabian coast of
the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . It contains valuable deposits of red oxide, a product used in the
manufacture of certain classes of paint. In 189cS the ex-Sheikh, uncle of the ruling
Chief, leased the oxide mines on the island to three native concessionnaires, one of
whom, in the year 1906, entered into a contract with the well-known German firm of
Wonckhaus, granting to the latter for four years, with a preferential option of
renewal, a monopoly of purchase of oxide from the mines. The ruling Sheikh
subsequently cancelled the concession and took steps to prevent further mining
operations by the concessionnaires.
18. In December 1907 the German Government approached the British Foreign
Office on behalf of Wonckhaus. The Foreign Office undertook to make inquiry into the
case, agreeing in the meantime to the removal by the firm of oxide already mined and
ready for shipment. The reply to the German representation was sent in July 1908.
It was to the effect that His Majesty’s Government regarded the Sheikh’s action in
cancelling the concession as perfectly legal, but that they were prepared, pending
final settlement, to facilitate the conclusion of a temporary arrangement to enable the
firm to obtain a limited amount of oxide. The German Government replied in
December 1909 ; they contended that the owner of the island had no right to cancel
the concession, that they regarded the Sheikh’s proceedings as illegal, and that
they looked to His Majesty’s Government, by whom he had been assisted, to com
pensate the German firm. In August 1910 His Majesty’s Government agreed to the
removal by AVonckhaus of a further quantity of oxide. In December 1911 they