File 4535/1928 Pt 11 ‘Persia: Anglo-Persian Negotiations 1928-9. Policy of H. M. G.’ [‎114v] (28/378)

I
Sheikh. The political and inter
national objections to action on
these lines, if indeed this is what
the Government of India suggest, are in
my view,‘substantial: I remain of the |
opinion set out in paragraphs 43-44
of the 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. memorandum on
Bahrein on page 72 of P.G.13, and as at
present advised I consider that if a
treaty of protection is finally
accepted by His Majesty 1 8 Government
as the best solution of the Bahrein
impasse, such a treaty should be
concluded only with the full under
standing and consent of the Sheikh
and, if possible, at his request.
4. The second reservation whichj
I desire to make is in respect of
Koweit . As at present advised, I am
not convinced that the arguments in
favour of the establishment of a
protectorate in that principality are
not entirely outv/eighed by the
arguments against such action. As
the Government of India recognise, the
appropriate occasion is lacking: the
establishment of a formal protectorate
in such circumstances would, I fear,
expose us to damaging international
criticism; and, these considerations
apart, the positive and heavy
liability in which it would involve us
for the defence of the principality
against all comers, is one which ought
not, I think, lightly to be
undertaken