Coll 1/67 'Aden. Changes in administration in the event of separation from India: miscellaneous questions' [‎58v] (116/769)

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0. Colonial Office are further prepared to give assurance that all Indian
administrative personnel serving in Aden at the time of transfer would be retained
on terms of service under which they were then serving, subject only to modification
by mutual consent. When vacancies occurred (though there would be gradual
substitution of Colonial Service officers) Indians would remain eligible for appoint
ment though on definite terms to be agreed in each case and on basis of Indian con-
ditions of service only if these were specially imported into their agreements or letters
of appointment.
6. On two further points arising out of debate I should like to add (a) that
parallel with Somaliland drawn by Sethna was quite misleading. Somaliland ports
have gone down because of inability of local administration, owing to unruly character
of inhabitants, to levy any direct taxation with the result that administration depends
entirely on import duties. Position at Aden is exactly the reverse as Aden is a free
port and cost of administration is met by direct taxation.
(b) Prominence of Salt question is understandable. But this is essentially a
matter for the Indian Legislature, having regard to the Fiscal Convention. In view
of solicitude shown in debate for commercial and other interests of Indians at Aden,
Legislature may possiblv be responsive to any appeal made by Sethna and his friends
on behalf of Aden salt manufacturers when question arises. _
7. I will endeavour to take an opportunity in immediate future either in the
Joint Committee or in discussion with Sethna and his friends to explain reasons for
transfer and comprehensive character of assurances, and so to redress balance and
emphasise true position. Meanwhile I shall be glad if you will urgently consider
matter further, and let me have your observations by telegraph as early as possible.
Government of India, Foreign and Political Department, to Secretary
of State for India.
(Received 6.45 p.m., 17th November, 1933.)
Telegram.
(Secret.)
17th November. 2731. Your telegram of the 30th ultimo, 2658, Aden.
2. W T e have considered most carefully points of view expressed in this telegram.
Some of us are not prepared, in'spite of your arguments, to resile from attitude
already expressed in our telegram of the 12th ultimo, 38 C, which gives local argu
ments in favour of the retention of Aden by India. These arguments are admittedly
based on sentiment, but, as we have already said, Indian sentiment is likely to prove
a most important factor in regulating the relations between the future Government
of India and His Majesty’s Government. Those of us who hold this point of view
are not prepared to admit that practical difficulties against the retention of Aden
settlement by India are so great as to outweigh advantages which would result from
its inclusion in the Federation. The difficulties attendant on such a concession to
Indian sentiment seem small, while its effect, at a time goodwill of informed Indian
opinion in regard to new constitution is of considerable value, would be great.
3. On the other hand, some of us have been considerably impressed by your
arguments. In particular, His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, who was not
present when the question was under consideration in October, desires us to place
on record his emphatic agreement with your point of view. In his opinion position
at present is entirely anomalous. Aden is of too great importance to the Empire to
be placed under divided control. The protectorate and settlement must, from the
defence point of view, be solely under the Government of India or under His Majesty’s
Government, and he is of opinion that, particularly in view of the transfer already
effected of the defence of the protectorate to His Majesty’s Government, the only
logical and possible course is to transfer complete control of the settlement as well.
4. Sir B. L. Mitter, who was also not present last month, concurs in the view
that divided control is impossible and that, provided Indian interests are fully safe
guarded, advantage lies in the transfer of complete control to His Majesty’s Govern
ment. He presses, however, for a definite statement by His Majestv’s Government
granting full safeguards for Indians against discrimination of any sort vis-a-vis
European or other traders in Aden.
5. In these circumstances, it appears to us that decision must finally vest (sic,
? rest) with His Majesty’s Government. We have endeavoured in this, and in our
previous telegram, to set before you local point of view. This point of view is
entitled to the fullest consideration, but we feel that it is for His Majesty’s Govern-