تقرير البعثة الخاصة إلى مصر بقيادة اللورد ميلنر، وأوراق ذات صلة [و‎‎١‎٤‎٣] (٤٧٣/٢٨٧)

Circulated by the Secretary <
SECRET.
I have read Mr. Hughes’ contribution to the study of the Egyptian
question/*
I most sincerely trust that the question will not be delayed until next
year’s Imperial Cabinet. I do not gather from Mr. Hughes’ telegram that he
proposes to make any real contribution to its study. I have, moreover, a
lively recollection of Mr. Hughes’ contributions to the Treaty of Versailles,
which, in that they delayed the conclusion of peace and the fixation of
reparation at a reasonable figure, have been largely responsible for the
present condition of Europe and the present uncertainties of British trade.
But my excuse for intervention is Mr. Hughes’ characteristically
ignorant remarks about India. Perhaps the Colonial Secretary will take
some opportunity of pointing out to him that even the most convinced enemy
of our policy with regard to India would admit that the very limited measure
(not yet in force) of association with the Government which we have given to
Indians, and our conditional promise of self-government in the future, have
ameliorated and not worsened the condition of that country, where such
disquieting features that exist are due entirely to the Treaty of Sevres and
the regrettable extravagances as an outcome of shocking murders which
occurred in the Punjab. Perhaps self-government is dangerous. I suppose
that some time or other in history our Government gave it to Australia ; I
suppose that the activities of her Prime Minister in European politics may be
an unfortunate consequence of self-government. But we have not tried it
yet in India; and when it comes I do not suppose that the economic
arguments of Indian leaders will be worse, or their carelessness as to facts
more egregious, than in Australia.
E. S. M.
26th November 1920.
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