Minutes of War Cabinet Meeting, 11 December 1916
6
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
Printed for the use of the Cabinet,December 1916.
[To be returned to the Secretary, 2, Whitehall Gardens, S.W.]
WAR CABINET, 2.
Minutes of a meeting of the War Cabinet, held at Montague House, Whitehall Gardens, S.W., on Monday, December 11, 1916, at 3 P.M.
Present:
The Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, M.P. (in the chair).
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The Right Hon. the Earl Curzon of Kedleston, K.G., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E
The Right Hon. Viscount Milner, G.C.B., G.C.M.G
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The Right Hon. A. Henderson, M.P.
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In attendance
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The Right Hon. A.J. Balfour, O.M., M.P., Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
The Right Hon. the Lord Hardinge of Penshurst, G.C.B., G.M.S.I., G.M.I.E., G.C.M.G, G.C.V.O., Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
The Right Hon. the Lord Robert Cecil, K.C., M.P., Minister of Blockade.
General Sir W.R. Robertson, K.C.B., K.C.V.O., D.S.O., Chief of the Imperial General Staff.
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The Right Hon. Sir E. Carson, K.C., M.P., First Lord of the Admiralty.
Admiral Sir. J.R. Jelicoe, G.C.B, O.M., G.C.V.O., First Sea Lord of the Admiralty.
Vice-Admiral Sir H.F. Oliver, K.C.B., M.V.O., Chief of the War Staff, Admiralty.
The Right Hon. A. Chamberlain, M.P., Secretary of State for India.
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Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M. P. A. Hankey, K.C.B., Secretary
Colonel E.D. Swinton, D.S.O., Assistant Secretary
The Balkans.1. THE Chief of the Imperial General Staff reported that while the greater part of the British Reinforcements that we had undertaken to send to Salonica had arrived there,The transport of French Reinforcements. the French were still very behind as only part of the first two divisions they had agreed to send had arrived. Some 7,00 British Drafts still have to be sent, but the French force at Salonica is short of some 50,000 drafts.
The First Sea Lord said that the French had asked for the loan of five troop-ships and four horse transports; they had requisitioned all their own available shipping, having taken up twenty-nine extra ships, and still had to find seven hospital ships. The Admiralty had looked into the question and found it impossible to lend the five troop-ships. The War Office had been asked if they could spare four of our horse transports if we did not send any more divisions to Salonica, but had not yet replied.
The War Cabinet decided that the Admiralty and War Office should concert arrangements to lend four horse transports to the French Government, subject to the condition we could recall them if we needed them ourselves.
The forthcoming Conference in Russia2. The War Cabinet had some discussion as to the Minister to represent the British Government at the forthcoming Conference in Russia. It was pointed out that this Conference has been proposed on our initiative, and that great disappointment would be caused if some prominent Minister did not represent us. The objects of the Conference were to arrange a meeting between prominent Generals of the British and Russian armies; to discover not only how we could help Russia with munitions, and how far the Russians could make effective use of them, but also how far the Russians could assist us financially and by making better use of Russian man-power for meeting their own requirements.
The War Cabinet decided that the Foreign Office should inform our Allies that our representatives would be ready to start immediately after Christmas. No final decision was taken as regards a Ministerial representative, but the opinion was expressed that, if Mr. Balfour's state of health would permit him to go, it would be very much in the national interest.
Greece3. A Summary of telegrams received in regard to Greece since the last meeting of the War Cabinet is attached in Appendix I.
The War Cabinet reached the following decisions:—
(b.) In reply to the telegram from the British Minister at Athens, No. 1989, dated the 10th December, 1916 (Appendix III), asking what interpretation should be given to the expression "Northern Greece" in Foreign Office telegram No. 1465 (Appendix II), the Foreign Office should state that the expression "Northern Greece" is intended to mean Thessaly in the first part of the telegram which refers to the removal of Greek Troops from Northern Greece to the Morea; but that, in the second part of the telegram referring to movements of Greek troops from Morea to Northern Greece, the expression is to imply any part of Greece north of the Morea.
(c.) The Foreign Office should send a telegram to the French Government asking that, pending the result of the Ultimatum to the Greek Government, the Fleet should be instructed to stop any movement of troops northward from the Morea. This telegram to be repeated to the British Minister at Athens.
(d.) The Admiralty to send a copy of this telegram to the Vice-Admiral Commanding, Eastern Mediterranean.
(e.) The Foreign Office should instruct the British Minister at Athens to go on board ship as soon as he has communicated with the Greek Government. That if no satisfactory reply is received in 24 hours he should report the fact to the Foreign Office, and inform the King and Greek Government that the ship will leave after a further 24 hours, on expiry of which the ship should start.The Arab Revolt, Rabegh4. A Summary of the latest information in regard to the Arab revolt, and more particularly the menace to Yenbo and Rabegh, is attached in Appendix IV. The War Cabinet reached the following decisions:—
Attended for this Question:The Rt. Hon. A Chamberlain Secretary of State for India.
The French will not send infantry to Rabegh and consider that it is for us to do so. We do not wish to land troops in the Hedjaz except in the last extremity, but the Shereef must be saved from destruction, if possible. If there is still time for the preparation of an entrenched position at Rabegh, and if an infantry brigade with the necessary artillery, engineer, medical services, &c. asked for by you can hold it,we authorise you to despatch these troops whenever you think the moment has come; but you must be satisfied that the force is sufficient and that it can be supplied with water and all necessities. (b.) That the Chief of the Imperial General Staff should repeat this telegram to the General Officer Commanding the Egyptian Expeditionary force.
Future Business5. Subject to the Prime Minister's approval, it was decided to discuss the measures to be taken in regard to the agricultural policy on Wednesday afternoon, the 14th December. Lord Milner undertook to place himself in communication with the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Food Controller on this subject.
The Offices of the War Cabinet6. With reference to the First Minister of the First Meeting, the Secretary reported that he had been in communication with the Office of Works with regard to the offices of the War Cabinet. He had been informed that the occupation of Montagu House by the War Cabinet would cause very great dislocation to the house arrangements of the Ministry of Munitions, who had planned to accommodate an office of 500 persons in and about this house, and had placed the contracts for the necessary alterations. The Office of Works had suggested as an alternative that the Ministry of Munitions should vacate Nos. 1 & 3. Whitehall Gardens, namely the old National Club and the Crown Agents Offices. The accommodation in these houses would enable each Member of the War Cabinet to have a room for himself and the secretarial staff, as well as to house the staff of the Cabinet. The War Cabinet sanctioned this proposal subject to the Prime Minister's approval.
(Initialled)A. B. L.
- 2, Whitehall Gardens, S.W.
- December 12, 1916.
APPENDIX I
Summary of telegrams Referring to Greece
December 9, No. 1971.Sir F. Elliot reports that King agreed to withdraw from Thessaly the 10th Division, which was in excess of normal peace garrison; he also suggested Entente Military Attachés going to Thessaly to see for themselves. He said no additional troops had been sent to Thessaly, and that those brought back from Morea were concentrated in and near Athens. He wished to restore clam by disembarkation of British Colony now on board at Piræus. Sir F. Elliot replied that this last was impossible; that he himself had made all arrangements to embark, and that, if the King would not comply with Allied demand for reparation, he would leave. He suggests King being told what he must do if blockade is to be raised.
December 9, No. 1972.Sir F. Elliot reports that Italian Minister is very hostile to Venizelos and his movement, and furious with the French. The Italian policy is a weak Greece, and they fear this may be upset by a Veniselist Government.
Dec. 9, No. 1973.Sir F. Elliot suggests that Entente demands should be presented to King, and that Entente Ministers should go on board and await his reply. If unsatisfactory, they should leave for Italy.
Dec. 9, No. 1974.Sir F. Elliot recommends joint occupation of Corfu by Allies, and arrest of Royal Hostages there.
Dec. 9, No. 1976.Military attachés at Athens mistrust withdrawal of three regiments from Thessaly restoring normal conditions, and think their own presence in Thessaly could serve no useful purpose.
Dec. 9, No. 1977.Sir F. Elliot thinks King will not dare to declare war on Allies; Greek nation and army (except hot-headed Royalists) would be against it. Our policy should be to put forward far-reaching demands, including complete disarmament. The blockade would soon make King come to terms. Royalists and Venizelists being irreconcilable, only thing to do is to recognise Provisional Government. We should not impose Venizelos on Greece, but we should strongly take up cause of his adherence. By Reducing Greece to impotence, King's position would become impossible, and rest will follow.
Dec. 9, No. 1465.The Foreign Office instructs Sir F. Elliot as to action to be take with the Greek Government.
(For Full text see Appendix II.)
Dec. 10, No. 1979.Sir F. Elliot says our demands must be presented as "preliminary" only. Our various controls must be re-established; reservists leagues must be completely dissolved; and Venizelists released and compensated.
Dec. 10, No. 1981.Sir. F. Elliot reports existence of a fabricated letter purporting to be from Venizelos, speaking of approaching establishment of a revolutionary government. The King believes letter to be genuine.
Dec. 10, No. 1982.King thanks troops for saving his dynasty.
Dec. 10, No. 1309.Lord Bertie Says Briand concurs in our ultimatum and will put it to French Cabinet to-day.
Dec. 10, No. 1310.Lord Bertie reports that Sarrail has now been ordered not to bombard Athens without concurrence of Allied Governments; and that he has already orders not to bombard unless Greeks mount guns to danger of fleet. In any case, bombardment will be confined to King's palace and gun emplacements.
Dec. 10, No. 1869.Sir G. Buchanan says Russian Foreign Minister concurs in our seizing hostages in Greece, but doubts wisdom of demanding such to be handed over to us. French Ambassador has stated that his Government regard deposition of King, and recognition of Venizelos, as only means of avoiding war with Greece.
Dec. 10, No. 1189.Sir R. Rodd demurs to sentence in proposed Allies' demand to King of Greece, "failure to comply with these two demands," as suggesting that covert hostilities are the only alternative. He fears our putting ourselves in the wrong with Greek public opinion by provoking an unnecessary rupture.
Dec. 10, No. 1993.Sir. F. Elliot reports that M. Venizelos says that all hostages shall be well treated, and hopes to catch some in the islands belonging to Old Greece. Enquiries if the Syra hostages taken to Mudros should not not be handed over to the Provisional Government: concurs that for deterrent effect hostages should be in Greek hands.
Dec. 10, No. 1987.Sir. F. Elliot reports public meeting at Canea to express the decision that populace no longer regard the King of Greece as being their Ruler, and to show indignation at losses of Allies and treachery of King and troops.
Dec. 10, No. 1988.Mr. Erskine reports that the International Financial Commission has officially requested United States Minister to take charge of archives and central offices.
Dec. 10, No. 1989.Sir F. Elliot enquires what interpretation is to be given to the words "Northern Greece" in Foreign Office telegram No. 1465 of the 9th December, if no Greek troops are to be retained, and if mention should not be made of railway facilities.
(For full text see Appendix III.)
Dec. 10, No. 1990.Sir F. Elliot wires for further details as to Foreign Office telegram No. 1476.
APPENDIX II.
Telegram to Sir F. Elliot (Athens), December 9, 1916.
Recent events in Athens have proved conclusively that neither the King nor Greek Government have sufficient control over the Greek army to prevent Greek forces becoming a menace to peace and a danger to the Allied armies in Macedonia.
Under these circumstances the Government of the Allied Powers are constrained to demand, for the security of their forces from attack, that the Greek troops now stationed in Northern Greece be immediately removed to the Morea, and that the evacuation commence within twenty-four hours and proceed as rapidly as possible. They further demand that any movements of Greek troops from the Morea to Northern Greece be immediately suspended. Failure to comply with these two demands will be regarded by the Allies as an act of hostility on the part of the Greek Government.
The blockade of the Greek coast will be maintained until full reparation has been given for the recent unprovoked attack by the Greek forces upon the troops of the Allies at Athens, together with satisfactory guarantees for the future.
You should make a formal communication to the Greek Government in the above terms as soon as your colleagues have received similar instruction.
APPENDIX III.
Telegram from Sir F. Elliot (Athens), December 10, 1916.
Your telegram No. 1465 of yesterday.
What interpretation do you wish given to the expression "Northern Greece"?
Is it meant to include whole of continental Greece, and if not, what Part?
Are Epirus and southern Albania included?
The inclusion of Athens and neighbouring districts would, especially in view of recent events and of presented fear of a revolution, render acceptance of our demand very problematical.
Does demand imply that no Greek troops whatsoever are to be retained, even for maintenance of order?
Besides re-establishment of controls in place of those abolished (vide my telegram No. 1979 of to-day), should not mention be made of railway facilities which we shall require in connection with the establishment of an overland line of communication for supply of Salonica?
APPENDIX IV
Summary of telegrams referring to the Arab Revolt
Dec. 9, No. 1062.To meet wishes of Sherif. Storrs is being sent by McMahon to Jeddah, to remove misapprehensions existing in Sherif's mind owing to irresponsible statments by Faroki.
Dec. 9, No. 68.Sirdar thinks Turms mean business. Colnel Parker on return to Egypt from Rabegh reports Turks have seperated Faisal, based on Yenbo, from Emir Ali based on Rabegh. Turks' immediate object is to brush aside Faisal and occupy Yenbo, which must be evacuated and stores transferred by sea to Rabegh. A monitor has gone to Yenbo to assist. Arabs quite incapable of defending Rabegh even with naval assistance.
Dec. 9, No. 1306. Lord Bertie reports that British should release from Egypt "une vertiable corps de batille" to prepare defensive position at Rabegh. French Moslem technical detachments would be attached as auxiliaries (e.g., eight machine-gun sections, one field battery, on mountain battery, &c.).
Dec. 10, No. 69.Sirdar instructed Major Jouce to make necessary preperations at Rabegh should a brigade be sent there.
Dec. 10, No. 70.Faisal asks Sherif to hold Ragbeh to enable him to act against Turkish communication. Yenbo reports that Faisal unsuccessfully egngaged strong Turkish patrol on the 8th insatant. Faisal with 1,500 Arabs now at Yenbo.
PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY C. R. HARRISON—23/12/1916.