'File 8/15 Arab Series - 1933-1939' [‎167r] (333/434)

27
and naval circles about the obvious strategic advantages which Italy
might obtain if she secured a foothold in the Yemen. It was no doubt
unnecessary to attach excessive importance to such remarks, but this kind of
talk had unquestionably created a great deal of uneasiness in certain quarters.
5. Signor Crolla said that any such uneasiness was entirely unjustified.
Italy had her hands more than full in Abyssinia, and the last thing she wanted
was an Arabian adventure. In any case, her policy was to adhere firmly to
the undertakings of the Rome understanding of 1927, and he wished to give
a formal and categorical assurance to this effect. The Italian Government for
their part had, he repeated, certainly felt some uneasiness at Captain Seager’s
journey. There had been reports to the effect that he had discussed with
the Imam the possible cession or lease of certain points on the Red Sea Coast.
These rumours, though' they were unconfirmed, had given rise to much sus
picion as to the attitude of His Majesty’s Government. Signor Crolla was
told that these stories were entirely ridiculous. It was just as much to
the interest of His Majesty’s Government as to that of Italy to adhere strictly
to the undertakings contained in the Rome understanding. The last thing
which His Majesty’s Government could have contemplated was to have
attempted, in violation of those undertakings, to obtain any cession or lease
of bhis sort from the Imam, even if there had been any prospect of the Imam
considering such suggestions. In any case. Signor Crolla could regard what
was being said to him as a formal assurance that nothing of the sort had ever
been contemplated, and that such action would be entirely contrary to the
basic principles of the policy of His Majesty’s Government in Arabia,
which were the strict maintenance of the independence and integrity of the
two Arabian States, that is to say of Saudi Arabia and the Yemen. Signor
Crolla, after expressing appreciation of this assurance, said that he felt that
the detente in Anglo-Italian relations ought to be extended to the middle
East as well, and that he w r ould like to see the Rome understanding of 1927
developed. He was given no encouragement to pursue this line, but he went
on to explain that the Italian Government attached importance to the
observance of the provisions in the Rome understanding for Anglo-Italian
consultation.
6 . I am sending copies of this despatch to His Majesty’s Representatives
at Cairo and Jedda.
( 20 )
(Received on 10th April 1937 with Political Secretary's letter No. 12, dated
23rd March 1937.)
Enclosure in Colonial Office covering letter dated 22nd March 1937.
Letter from India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. , London, to the Under Secretary of State,
Foreign Office, No. 78193/37, dated 10th March 1937.
I am directed by Mr. Secretary Ormsby Gore to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter No. E 7835/2617/91 of the 15th February [S. No. (18)]
regarding the question of British J Consular representation in the Yemen,
and to request you to inform Mr. Secretary Eden that, in view of the objec
tions therein raised, Mr. Ormsby Gore feels that he must accept the view
that the proposal should not be pursued for the time being.
2 . I am to add, however, that the additional duties cast on the adminis
trative staff at Aden by the continuance of the present arrangements for com
munication with the Yemen afford further justification for the permanent
addition to that staff of the officer whose appointment is now under considera
tion.
3. Copies of this letter are being sent to the Admiralty, War Office,
Air Ministry, India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. and Treasury.