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SECRET.
عمه
I.
NOTE BY THE SECRETARY.
A SCHEME for the defence of the Suez Canal, based upon the recommendations of Lord Morley's Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence, which was prepared by the General Officer Commanding the Forces in Egypt, has recently been under the consideration of the Colonial Defence Committee.
2. As in the course of their examination of the Defence Scheme it appeared to the Colonial Defence Committee that the measures proposed might be held to involve an infringement of our treaty obligations, they thought it expedient to refer the matter to the Committee of Imperial Defence in order that an authoritative ruling might be obtained.
3. The international as well as the military aspects of the defence of the Eastern frontier of Egypt are discussed in the annexed Memorandum, and the following conclusions are submitted for the consideration of the Committee of Imperial Defence:-
(1.) As it has been decided in view of the provisions of the International Convention of 1888 that naval action in the Canal must be avoided except in case of extreme emergency, it is submitted that military action on the Canal banks which similarly might be held to involve an infringement of the Convention is undesirable except in case of extreme emergency.
(2.) If it is decided that military action on the Canal is not permissible except in case of extreme emergency—
(a.) The scheme for the defence of the Eastern frontier of Egypt should be remodelled, and should be based upon the assumption that Nekhl and El Arish will be defended.
(b.) If the suggestion (a) is concurred in, either Nekhl and El Arish should be fortified and garrisoned in time of peace, or if there are diplomatic objections to this course measures should be taken now to ensure that we shall not be forestalled by the Turks at these places in time of emergency.
(3.) If it should be decided to adhere to the Suez Canal as the main line of defence of the Eastern frontier of Egypt, either the British force in Egypt should be increased or arrangements should be made to accelerate the arrival of reinforcements in time of emergency.
C. L. O.
2, Whitehall Gardens,
January 31, 1911.
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PRINTED AT THE FORLIGN OFFICE BY J. W. HARRIBOx.- 6/2/19)1.
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