File 3086/1915 Pt 4 'ARABIA: RED SEA – occupation of Red Sea Islands' [‎254ar] (75/379)

Letter frcm 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. to Foreign Office, 26th April 1916.
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. .
P.1517.
Immediate.
Sir,
With reference to r r. Shuckbureh’s letter.
P.1493 of 20th instant and to your Office letter '7.72201
of the some date, I am directed by the Secretary of
State for India to request that he may be informed
as soon as a decision has been reached regarding the
oronosed blockade of the Arabian coast of the Red Sea,
in order that he may send the necessary instructions to
the Government of India in reply to their telegram
of 72nd instant, copy of which was sent to you on that
date.
I have the honour to be, Fir,
1517]
From Viceroy, Foreign Department, 22nd April 101b.
(Repeated to Cairo.)
Secret. Jeddah food supplies. Reference to McMahon s telegranTsho
Foreign Office, Nos. 202, 257 and 258. Although Sheriffs reasons for
blockade appear somewhat paradoxical, we do not wish to oppose it
if McMahon is satisfied that this measure is necessary for Shentts
programme. We presume that stoppage of communications between Soudan
and° Hedjaz alone 1 would not meet the case. If blockade is appi-oved we
propose issuing necessary orders without any explanatory announcement at
present. As, however, blockade even for a month at tins reason w 1 make
L^lr practically impossible owing to shipping difficulties e
shall probably have to issue communique later when possibly Shenif
co-operation can be openly announced.
The Under Secretary of State,
Foreian Office.