'File 8/15 Arab Series - 1933-1939' [‎141r] (281/434)

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Enclosure to S. No. (78).
[Same as S. No. (76)]
s
(79)
Memorandum No. 1751/411/21, dated the 8th October 1936.
His Majesty’s Minister at Jedda presents his compliments to Foreign
Secretary to the Government of India, Simla, and has the honour to
transmit to him a copy of telegram to the Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. , Bushire,
No. 30 of 8th October 1936 [same as Serial No. (76)] relating to the
movements of Ibn Saud.
[Same as S. No. (77)],
(80)
Letter from the British Embassy. Rome, to the Foreign Office,
No. 211/2/36, dated the 16th September 1936.
Your letter of the 7th September (E.-5523/2617/91), on the subject of
Italian designs on the Yemen.
You have no doubt by now seen our despatch No. 950 (203/1/36) of
the 29th August [S. No. (81)] on this subject. There is really not a
great deal which we can add to the information contained in that despatch.
At various times since the conclusion of the Italo-Yemenite Treaty in 1926,
there have been rumours that Italy was casting an acquisitive eye on the
Yemen, but at the same time and up till last year, the Italian authorities
showed a desire to allay these suspicions as far as possible.
We ought not, however, to forget the speech which Signor Mussolini
made to.the Quinquennial Fascist Assembly in 1934. In this speech, to
which we drew your special attention in our despatch No. 950, and which
formed the subject of the Embassy’s despatch No. 245 (189/2/34) of the
19th March, 1934, he said that “Italy’s historical objectives have twx)
names: Asia and Africa. South and east are the cardinal points which
should stimulate the interest and determination of Italians. Northwards
there is little or nothing to be done; nor is there more to be done westwards,
neither in Europe nor beyond the ocean. These objectives of ours have
their justification in geography and in history. Of all the great western
Powers of Europe the nearest to Africa and to Asia is Italy. A few
hours by sea, fewer still by air, suffice to join Italy to Africa and Asia. Let
no one misunderstand the scope of this secular task which I assign to this
and future Italian generations. It is not a matter of territorial con
quests, and let this be understood by all near and far alike, but of a natural
expansion which should lead to collaboration between Italy and the peoples
of Africa, between Italy and the nations of the Near and Middle East.”
As an assurance of peaceful intentions Signor Mussolini’s declaration
has of course proved valueless in the event, but it is perhaps of some
interest as an open indication, if one were needed, of Italian aspirations
in the Near and Middle East. There can be no real doubt that Italy
desires to increase her influence in that part of the world and there is every
reason to suppose that she would be glad enough to establish a footing on
the Arabian coast of the Red Sea if a favourable opportunity offered.
All this, however, does not mean that Signor Mussolini has already
prepared plans for an early advance against the Yemen. On the contrary
we believe that while there are no doubt not a few Italians—and some of
them perhaps in high places—who are casting covetous glances at the
Arabian shores of the Red Sea, no serious authority contemplates any
F&PD