ملف رقم ٤٣٢٧ لسنة ١٩١١، الأجزاء ٤ "الحرب التركية-الإيطالية: حصار البحر الأحمر" [و‎‎٢‎٧] (١٤٠/٤٩)

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From Viceroy, hth February 1912.
Foreign Secret. Aden. Your telegram of the 23rd January. Resident
at Aden telegraphs as follows :—
“ Sheikh Said has been shelled by Italian Navy, with no apparent effect,
for the past three days. Italy's object, without doubt, is to establish heiself in,
and form protectorate over, very rich province of Yemen. To have a European
Power contiguous to British protectorate would be very objectionable ;
future complications and military operations would certainly result. 11
Italian protectorate of Yemen is allowed we shall lose all Arabian trade,
entire local revenue, Aden will become mere naval coaling station , besides,
Turks undertook not to alienate to any third Power Subehi country enclosed
by English protectorate on the south, and on the north by Kuddam, Jebel
Akkara, Jebel Akama, and Jebel Numan. See report of Fitzmaunce, 30th
April 1905 ; moreover, occupation of the country would cause very gieat
disturbance amongst, and involve us in great difficulties with, the tribes ot
Arabia under protection of the British Government.
Bombay Government consider that an Italian occupation of this territory
would be gravely detrimental to British interests. I regret that I am unable
to suggest any steps to neutralise Italian designs, if such really exis .