File 488/1920 Pt 1 ‘Arabia:- General question of subsidies to Arab Rulers.’ [‎17r] (29/163)

Fi'om Vlcei*oy 9 Forr^gxi d Political
Dated Delhi, 20/2/~
Dept, to 3/S for India
ncx Re c d 0 21/2/21 9
Your telegram o;f the 18th December laii +
4i32 r> 0«nidi subsequent correspondenceo Subsidies to Arabian
ChiefSo Even if we were not now confronted by serious
financial stringency, and intense critical attitude of Indian
public opinion tov/ards all expenditure of Indian Revenues
C? outside) India, we should feel compelled to protest with
utmost emphasis against the proposal that India should
participate in proposed subsidies to Arabian Chiefs*
2o As you are aware*, (? policy of) intervention now
being pursued in Arabia has embi-tered Moslem Indian opinio no
Already passing reference in Indian Press, which implied the
possibility of Indian Revenues being devoted to subsidising
31 1 Saud, called forth protest from two distinct sections of.
Moslem communityo. As regards Hedjaz 8 of course feeling is
intense, and regular subsidising of King Huasalw, as a peace
measure would be regarded as device to bring noly places
definitely under Christian control, and any attempt to associate
India with It is out of the question,
3 g We must therefore respectfully bdb definitely
decline to accept any extension of India s liabilities in
Arabia, beyond those to which sue is already committed Q Indeed
we ^ ake this opportunity cnv 6 more tc press ior readjust
ment of charges now being met from Indian. Revenues on Aden
Protectorate Chiefs from Vr *, date of removal of Aden from our
political control^ and als; to our regret (sic) that India-]
Revenues have been charged with portion of cost ot Nejd
Mission wh- h was despatched entirely at invitation of
Mesopotamj a
4 0