Printed papers on the political situation and military policy in Egypt [‎17r] (33/176)

This document is the property of His Britannic Majesty’s Government.
Printed for the Committee of Imperial Defence, July, 1923.
SECRET.
Copy is\>. ,.
\
439 B (Revised).
[In substitution for the copy previously circulated.]
THE COMMITTEE OF IMPERIAL DEFENCE.
MILITARY POLICY IN EGYPT.
Memorandum by the Secretary of State for \\ ar.
1. 1 submitted to the Cabinet in February of this year a memorandum (C.P. 89 (23))
dealing with the garrison in Egypt, in connection with the provision of more suitable
accommodation urgently required for the troops. In this memorandum it was pointed
out that, until the final policy as regards the garrison and its location could be decided
upon, we were necessarily restricted to construction ot a temporary nature.
2. vVith the development of the Constitution in Egypt it is probable that discussion
of the Reserved Subjects will not be much longer delayed. It therefore appears desirable
that our military requirements in Egypt should be considered by the Committee of
Imperial Defence, so that the strategic aspect of the case may be placed before the Cabinet
before anv discussion takes place with the Egyptian Government.
3. The recent conclusion of the Standing Defence Sub-Committee of the Committee
of Imperial Defence that the Suez Canal can best be defended from the Sinai Peninsula
with a force based on Egypt and with advanced detachments at.Rafeh and Akaba (Pal./lO)
necessarily involves a re-examination of the views 1 expiessed in 1 ebruary.
4. In this connection it would also appear that the forthcoming Imperial Conference
offers a favourable opportunity to discuss the question in its Imperial aspects with the
representatives of the Dominions and India. < ^ ^ i
5. Since the memorandum, referred to above, was written, the General 8tau ha\e
had the opportunity of considering the views of Lieut.-General Sir R. Haking, who,
having recently taken over command of the British troops in Egypt, has had the
opportunity of bringing a fresh and independent mind to bear upon the question.
6. The importance of Egypt to our Imperial communications and the danger \\ Inch
would result from the breakdown of law and order in Egypt, or from foreign interfeience
due to the withdrawal of British control, need no emphasis. In addition, our position in
the Sudan, a question which is for discussion amongst the Reserved Subjects, cannot be
considered secure unless we are able to control Egypt.
7. The actual location of the units of the British Garrison has been dealt with in the
memorandum referred to above. It has frequently been pointed out Ry the General Staff
—and this has been endorsed by Lord Allenby—that the protection of our interests in
Egypt cannot be ensured by local defence of the Canal area. Internal disturbances may
be caused by a sudden rising of the population, political intrigue on Lolshe\ik lines oi
the defection of the Egyptian army. Che existing garrison, as at present located, is
considered sufficient to deal with the situation arising from these causes, provided that
the opportunity exists for suppressing the disturbance at its source. I his can only be
accomplished by retaining British troops in Cairo, where the brains and centre of
disturbance will be.
8. The existence of a British garrison in Cairo is a strong deterrent to disturbance.
If Cairo were evacuated, it would, in the event of serious disturbance or rising, become a
first necessity to occupy the city, an operation of considerable difficulty, which would
entail serious loss of life and damage to property.
9. In view of the above considerations the General Staff consider that the presence
of British troops in Cairo exercises so preponderating an influence that every effort should
be made to overcome political opposition in Egypt itself or elsewhere, and to brino - the
Egyptian Government to realize that from the existence of a British garrison in Egypt
and the location of British troops in Cairo, political, commercial and military advantages
will accrue to both countries.
The General Staff therefore recommend that :—
(a) A British garrison of approximately the present strength, and including
2 squadrons Royal Air Force, should be maintained in Egypt.
(h) British troops should be located at Cairo and its immediate vicinity, and at
Moascar and Alexandria, with detachments at Port Said and Cyprus.
(B23/181) 100 7/23 W.O.P. 963
0143
2032