Papers of the Interdepartmental Conference on Middle Eastern Affairs [‎45r] (89/290)

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SECRET.
I.D.C.E., 13th Minutes.
FOREIGN OFFICE.
INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CONFERENCE ON MIDDLE EASTERN AFFAIRS.
Minutes of a Meeting held at the Foreign Office on Monday t March 21, 1919,
at 6 p.m.
Present:
The Right Hon. the Earl Curzon of Kedleston, K.G., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E.
(in the Chair).
Lieutenant-General Sir H.V. Cox, K.C.B.,
K.C.M.G., C.S.I., Military Secretary,
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. .
Mr. J. E. Shuckburgh, C.B., 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. .
Brigadier-General Bartholomew, C.M.G.,
D S.O., War Office.
Mr. A. E. Widdows, C.B., War Office.
Mr. S. D. Waley, M.C., Treasury.
Mr. L. Oliphant, C.M.G., Foreign Office.
Mr. E. H. Jones (Secretary).
Bushire 1 . The Chairman said that on the 4th February (I.D.C.E.,
Expedition. 4 ^^ Minutes) the Conference had decided in principle to evacuate
the troops from Southern Persia, but, before issuing orders on the
subject, they had desired Sir Percy Cox’s opinion, and had put to
him a number of definite questions to answer (telegram No. 74 of the
7 th February). In reply, Sir Percy Cox had sent almost immediately
a preliminary word of warning (telegram No. Ill of the 10 th
February), saying he feared immediate evacuation would afiect
adversely our influence in Persia, and that it would be a lasting pity
to weaken our position at so critical a time.
On the 19th February General Douglas, G.O.C., Bushire, had
telegraphed (see telegram from Viceroy, Foreign Department, dated
the 7 th March) that it v*as practically certain complete evacuation
would be followed by the return of the Khans, the closing of the
road, the destruction of the telegraph, and retaliatory measures
against our friends. It would render the position of Farman Farma
precarious, and that of the consul at Shiraz unenviable. Telegraphing
again on the 4th March he had argued in favour of a reduction of
our forces in Southern Persia, but against immediate evacuation,
and had pointed out that the whole position hinged on the problem
of Soulet. Two possible courses of action with regard to Soulet
were proposed : (i) the imposition of severe terms, including banish
ment ; or (ii) reinstatement after a chastening visit to Teheran.
Next, in a telegram of the 7 th March from the Viceroy, the
Government of India had expressed their entire opposition to the
proposals of the G.O.C., Bushire, and suggested that the evacuation