Coll 29/109 'Tehran Legation: appointment of additional Counsellor' [‎159r] (317/323)

(S)
6. I have again examined the whole of this matter in the closest
detail in the light of Lyttelton 5 s views ( Wave11 with whom I hope
you will he able to discuss will of course he able to supplement
what 1 have been saying here as he participated) and of recent
de^lopment in position. There is ( corrupt group) to be said in
thewry for a delegation such as that proposed^ On the other hand
I am very conscious of the difference which has been ( corrupt group)
%o the situation by the active entry of Russia. Apart from that it
is essential to preserve the constitutional position of the G-overnoivGenl*
under the S. of 3. for India? and essential too that we should avoid
possible unfortunate reactions on his position in India of the
mistakes in the handling of Persian policy directed entirely or
predominatingly by him- Finally I am ?;eli aware of attitude of)
former as regards the responsibilities of an Indian Dominion if and
when that stage is reached?in foreign sphere? and of objectaons to
transferring to India at this stage whether in Persia? the Persian
Gulf or other surrounding countries* responsibilities in sphere of
external affairs which it might not be possible to allow her to retain
as her constitutional development proceeds* and which equally? if they
are once conceded, it would be very difficult to withdraw without
giving rise to serious (? complaint)<, Hor do I outlook (sic) the factor
of personnel, which is one of as great importance here as it is from
home point of view-
7, Conclusion I have reached in these circumstances is that it
would not- be in best interests of handling of problem that I should ,
(? recommend) any marked transfer of control or any marked and
■^4rfirired,.1 1 iuti 1 1 ,i (o rr-t*readjustment of present method of handling this
area. On the other hand it is in my judgment essential that arrangements
now to b- made should ensure (a) that India should be kept fully
informed of all business in Persian sphere; (b) that she should be kept
•so informed direct ( X am grateful for steps that have already been
(? taken) to tighten up procedure in this regard, and I have no doubt
that if, as I trust, ILM.G* accept the suggestion in para. 8 of this
telegram its adoption would further contribute to ensure that direct
repetition covers messages y-?hich directly affect, or indeed are of
interest to India, and (? exclude) s those which are not) (c) that we
should be effectively consulted on all decisions of policy so far as
circumstancee make that practicable. I quite recognise that there may
be circumstances in which the urgency of decision may be so great
that prior consultation would be impossible, I equally recognise that
decision may?and no doubt frequently will, go against what we may
recommend from here with our more limited horizon- But that is not the
point. The point is that there must be a greater degree of consultation?
and that without delay? than at present; (d) that arrangements should
be made as a War measure ( and purely on that basis).for representation
of India UhTtr! ttaii 6r'TehI'kli ± "L l dguUUii, UUd 1 Uidf"ch representation
should he by an officer of a sufficient standing to h| abie apesK
with knowledge and experience, to express the views of ohe Govt o* India,
and in those ways to assist the Minister generally and help him in
reaching conclusions or in formulating recommendations on matters or
ccncern from the Undian point of view. It is, in our judgement, ai ® c ?
important that that officer (7 have also) authority to keep us* subject
to the Ministers knowledge, in touch v/ith what is going on* to represent
our uoint of view locally? and to ensure that we are consulted as may
be necessary. What we are anxious to ensure is that he should be
in a position to secure that India (V is) fully and promptly iniormed
of aii strictly political devel-Cpments which are of interest or concern
to her or are likely to entail obligations on her; and second, to secure,
in association v/ith the Ministry Attach^ and under general control
of the Minister, the due performance of aemi~politxcal and semi-
administrative functions which folio?/:-* (a) continuance of the Persian
administration, and adjusting of relations between the forces of
occupation, the Persian authorities and Russian allies: (b) the securing
and maintenance of facilities to which we are entitled under the settle
ment. especially as regards communications:
P T.Ch