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of the Suez Canal, or when all British naval forces were more urgently needed elsewhere, it has been decided that the military defence arrangements cannot be based upon the assumption that naval assistance will, in all circumstances, be forthcoming.
37. His Majesty's ships will, however, always be prepared to render such assistance as the exigencies of the moment permit; and it is reasonable to assume that only in exceptional circumstances will the dispositions of the Admiralty be such as to prevent them from making ships available to co-operate in the defence of the Eastern frontier of Egypt. In view of the service that warships might be able to render at El Arish and Akaba, if there were a danger of our being forestalled by the Turks at the former place or at Nekhl, the Committee suggest that the Admiralty should bear in mind the advisability of moving warships to El Arish and Akaba in time of strained relations with Turkey, should other circumstances render it possible.
VIII.-Conclusions.
38. The Colonial Defence Committee submit the following conclusions 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 Caual 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 insure 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.
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(Signed)
J. R. CHANCELLOR, Secretary,
Colonial Defence Committee.
January 20, 1911.
PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY J. W. HARRISON.— 25/1/1911.
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