[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] .
WAR CABINET PAPERS (616-635 inclusive).
CLOSED
UNTIL
7 %P
August 15, 1919, to October'27, 1919, with Subject Index.
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
Printed
SECRET.
FHmsd
for
FILM
for the War
Cabinet.
1919.
Complete
P. R. O,
U1R.ARY.
WAR CABINET PAPEES (616-635 inclusive).
CLOSED
UNTIL
V-i
August 15, 1919, to October'27, 1919, with Subject Index.
[This
Document is the Property of His Britannic Maje.sty's GwemmeafcX
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
August
1919..
SECRET.
149
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET 6 1 6 .
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet held at 10, Downing
on Friday, August 15, 1919, at l l 3 0 A.M.
Street,
S.W.,
-
Present :
T h e P R I M E M I N I S T E R (in the
Chair).
T h e R i g h t Hon. A. B O N A R L A W , M . P .
T h e R i g h t Hon. A. C H A M B E R L A I N , M . P .
The Ri^ht Hon. G . N . BARNES, M . P .
T h e R i g h t Hon. Sir E . G E D D E S ,
G.C.B.
G.B.E., M.P.
The following were also p r e s e n t :
T h e R i g h t Hon. W . LONG, M.P., F i r s t
Lord of t h e A d m i r a l t y .
T h e R i g h t Hon. W . S. C H U R C H I L L , M . P . ,
T h e R i g h t Hon. Sir A. C G E D D E S , K C . B . . .
M.P., President of the Board of Trade.
The
T h e R i g h t Hon. H . A. L . F I S H E R , L . L . D . ,
M.P.. President of t h e Board of Education.
T h e R i o h t Hon. Sir L . W O R T H I N G T O N E V A N S , Bart., M . P . , Minister of Pensions.
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir R S. H O R N K , K.B.E.,
K.C., M.P., Minister of Labour.
T h e Right H o n . Maior-General J . E . B.
SEELY, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., M.P.,
U n d e r - S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for Air.
Field-Marshal Sir H . H. W I L S O N , G.C.B.,
D.S.O.,-Chief of t h e Imperial General
Staff.
Secretary of S t a t e for W a r .
R i g h t Hon. C. ADDLSON, M.D.,
T h e R i g h t Hon. H . W . F O R S T E R , M . P . ,
Financial Secretary, W a r Office.
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir .J. M A O L A Y , B a r t . ,
Shipping Controller.
Major-General
Sir
[620]
H.
Secretary.
PIARLNGTON,
Chief of
Secretary.
Secretary.
Lieutenant-Colonel L. STORR, C . B . , Assistant
Captain L. F . B U R G I S , Assistant
C.
K.C.B., D.S.O., D e p u t y
Imperial G e n e r a ! Staff.
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M . P . A. H A N K E Y , G . C . B . ,
Mr. G . M. E V A N S , Assistant
M.P.,
Minister of H e a l t h .
Secretary.
the
Future conditions
of service in the
Army (officers),
and pay of medical
officers in the
Royal 'Air Force.
1. T h e . W a r Cabinet h a d u n d e r consideration t h e T h i r d R e p o r t
of t h e Committee on Naval, Military, and Air E^rce P a y
( P a p e r G-.-259), which proposed complete schemes for t h e . future
pay, retired pay, half-pay, and certain allowances for officers in t h e
A r m y : a n d also dealt w i t h the pay of medical officers in the Royal
Air Force.
T h e W a r Cabinet decided—
(
.
Pay and pensions
of men in the
Army.
(a.) To approve t h e T h i r d Report of the Committee on Naval,
Military, and Air Force P a y ( P a p e r G . - 2 5 9 ) .
[b.) * T h a t , on the occasion of t h e a n n o u n c e m e n t of t h e increased
rates of pay, it should also be a n n o u n c e d t h a t ,a scheme
of compulsory insurance in connection w i t h disability
retired p a y was u n d e r consideration, and, if it w e r e
found advisable, deductions m i g h t be m a d e from t h e
authorised rates of pay equivalent to t h e i n s u r a n c e
premiums.
The Secretary of State for W a r took note of t h e
- suggestion of the Chancellor of t h e E x c h e q u e r t h a t
every effort should be m a d e to cut down t h e expenses of
A r m y officers, a n d to insist u p o n rigid economy.
2. W i t h reference to War Cabinet GOO, Minute 5, t h e W a r
Cabinet h a d u n d e r consideration proposals for t h e future p a y of m e n
in t h e A r m y , contained in the Second R e p o r t of the Committee on
Naval, Military, a n d Air Force P a y ( P a p e r G.-254), together w i t h
proposals for the future pensions of m e n in t h e A r m y ( F o u r t h
R e p o r t of the Committee, P a p e r G.-260).
T h e W a r Cabinet decided—
T o a d j o u r n consideration of t h e proposals for t h e p a y a n d
pensions of men in the A r m y u n t i l the Secretary of State
for W a r h a d again considered t h e p a y of t h e A r m y in the
l i g h t (a) of the future organisation of t h e Service as
d e t e r m i n e d b y t h e military policy to be followed, (b) of
the suggestion m a d e by t h e P r i m e Minister t h a t t h e p r e s e n t
rates of pay a n d bonus should be m a d e p e r m a n e n t , a n d
t h a t the additional money involved in the proposals for p a y
contained in P a p e r G . - 2 5 4 should be devoted to i m p r o v i n g
the efficiency of the A r m y in some other respect.
2, Whitehall
August
Gardens, S.W.
15, 1919.
1,
* The War Office desire that such announcement regarding compulsory insurance
shall be withheld until they have had an . opportunity of examining the proposed
scheme.
[This
Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty s Government,j'
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
August
1919.
. . .
SECRET.
WAR
CABINET
617.
Conclusions of a Meeting of the War Cabinet, held in Mr. Bonar Law's Room, at the
House of Commons, S.W., on Tuesday, August 19, 1919, at 12 noon.
Present:
The P R I M E M I N I S T E R (in the. Chair).
The Right
H o n . t h e Earl CURZON OP
KEDLESTON, K G . , G . C . S . I . , G . G I . E .
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. B O N A R L A W , M . P .
T h e R i g h t Hon. A . C H A M B E E L A I N , M . P .
T h e R i g h t Hon. G. N . B A R N E S , M . P .
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir E . G E D D E S , G . C . B . ,
G.B.E.,
M-P.
The following were also p r e s e n t :
T h e R i g h t H o n . W . LONG, M . P . , F i r s t
Lord of t h e Admiralty.
T h e R i g h t H o n . E . S. S H O E T T , K . C , M . P . ,
The Right
T h e R i g h t Hon. Sir A. C. GEDDES, K.C.B.,
M . P . , President of t h e Board of
Trade.
Hon.
E.
S.
MONTAGU, M.P.,
Secretary of S t a t e for India..
The R i g h t H o n . t h e Viscount M I L N E R ,
G . C . B . , G.C.M.G., Secretary of S t a t e
for t h e Colonies.
Rear-Admiral
-J.
A s s i s t a n t Chief
(for Minute 1).
A.
FERGUSSON,
C.B.,
of t h e N a v a l
Staff
Vice-Admiral Sir M. E . B E O W N I N G ,
G.C.M.G., K . C . B . , M.V.O., Second S e a
Lord (for M i n u t e 1).
Secretary of S t a t e for H o m e Affairs.
T h e R i g h t H o n . H . A . L. F I S H E B , L L . D . ,
M . P . , P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of
Education.
Major-General
Sir
W.
THWAITES,
K C . M . G . , C.B., Director of Military
Intelligence, W a r Office (for Minute 1).
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M. P . A . HANKEY/, G . C . B . ,
Mr. T H O M A S J O N E S , Assistant
Captain L . F . B U R G I S , Assistant
Secretary.
Secretary.
Lieutenant-Colonel L . STORR, C . B . , Assistant
[657]
Secretary.
Secretary.
Policy in Russia.
i ,,
OI^P^
0
1. With, reference to W a r Cabinet 612, Minute 2, t h e W a r
C a b i n e t h a d before t h e m a revised draft d e s p a t c h on R u s s i a n
Policy ( P a p e r G . T . - 7 9 4 7 A) b y t h e A c t i n g "Secretary of State for
F o r e i g n Affairs.
T h e W a r Cabinet reached the following conclusions :—
(a.) T o approve Lord C u r z o n ' s draft despatch, subject to t h e
s u b s t i t u t i o n of the w o r d " if " for the words " a s s u m i n g
t h a t , " in t h e seventh line of the last p a r a g r a p h on
p a g e 7.
(6.) T h a t it is t h e policy of His Majesty's G o v e r n m e n t to
confine assistance to Russia to the forces u n d e r General
Denikin. All obligations in other p a r t s of the. former
R u s s i a n E m p i r e should be b r o u g h t to a n end as soon as
possible.
(c.) T h e A c t i n g Secretary of State for F o r e i g n Affairs u n d e r ­
took to c o m m u n i c a t e immediately, by telephone if
possible, w i t h P a r i s , in order to d r a w attention to
G e n e r a l G o u g h ' s telegram of t h e 11th A u g u s t , 1919,
addressed to B r i g a d i e r - G e n e r a l F . G. Marsh, contained
i n a t e l e g r a m from Reval (No. D.C. 19), dated the
15th A u g u s t , 1919 (Appendix).
L o r d Curzon was
asked to r e p o r t to Mr. Balfour t h e s t r o n g feeling of t h e
Cabinet on t h i s question, and, subject to any fresh light
w h i c h Mr. Balfour could throw on t h e m a t t e r , to press
' for i m m e d i a t e instructions to b e sent to G e n e r a l G o u g h
r e p u d i a t i n g G e n e r a l G o u g h ' s action in r e g a r d to the
R u s s i a n N o r t h - W e s t Government, w h i c h was most
irregular, a n d directing h i m to desist from a n y action
which could justify the R u s s i a n N o r t h - W e s t Govern­
m e n t in s u b s e q u e n t l y r e p r o a c h i n g t h e Allies for not
g i v i n g t h e m support.
(d.) T h a t t h e A c t i n g Secretary of State for F o r e i g n Affairs
should consult Mr. Balfour as to t h e desirability of
s e n d i n g a civilian Political Gfficer, of h i g h r a n k a n d
g r e a t experience, on a Special Mission for the p u r p o s e
of exercising supervision over the whole of the Missions
i n the Baltic.
( e . ) - T h e P r i m e Minister stated t h a t he h a d been informed from
outside sources t h a t there was a n impression in certain
q u a r t e r s of delay i n the withdrawal of British troops
from Siberia, a n d t h a t there was some prospect t h a t the
question m i g h t be raised publicly. H e i m p r e s s e d on the
m i l i t a r y authorities the i m p o r t a n c e of expediting t h e
w i t h d r a w a l of these troops.
The Future of
Turkey.
2. T h e W a r Cabinet h a d a discussion, on t h e question of the
future of T u r k e y , in the light of information to t h e effect t h a t the
prospects of the U n i t e d States of A m e r i c a a c c e p t i n g a m a n d a t e in
Turkey are diminishing.
After L o r d C u r z o n h a d given a n exposition of t h e p r e s e n t
situation—
T h e question w a s a d j o u r n e d until the afternoon.
Decontrol of Flour
Mills and Wheat
Prices.
3. T h e W a r C a b i n e t h a d before t h e m a M e m o r a n d u m by t h e
P a r l i a m e n t a r y Secretary to t h e Board of A g r i c u l t u r e a n d F i s h e r i e s
(Paper G.T.-7969).
The W a r Cabinet decided—
To
refer t h e m a t t e r for decision to Mr. Bonar Law,
Chancellor of t h e E x c h e q u e r a n d t h e C h a i r m a n of
H o m e Affairs Committee.
the
the
WC 6.17 .
3
Housing: Use of
Military Huts for
Civilian Workers.
r
lb I
4. T h e W a r Cabinet h a d before t h e m the following P a p e r s :—
Committee of H o m e Affairs 38, Minute 2.
M e m o r a n d a b y t h e Minister of H e a l t h (Papers G . T . - 7 9 1 4 a n d
G.T.-7990).
M e m o r a n d u m hy the Chancellor of the E x c h e q u e r ( P a p e r
G.T.-8016).
T h e W a r Cabinet decided—
To refer t h e m a t t e r for decision to the C h a i r m a n of t h e H o m e
Affairs Committee, the Minister of Munitions, a n d t h e
Minister of H e a l t h .
Circulation of
Information to
Ministers.
if
5. T h e W a r Cabinet had before t h e m a M e m o r a n d u m by t h e
Secretary of t h e W a r Cabinet ( P a p e r G.T.-7987) r e l a t i n g to t h e
circulation of information and the desirability of c o n t i n u i n g t h e
issue of t h e W e s t e r n , Eastern, a n d British E m p i r e R e p o r t s .
Satisfaction was expressed at t h e excellence of these R e p o r t s .
T h e W a r Cabinet decided t h a t —
(a.) T h e R e p o r t s should be continued, b u t issued fortnightly
instead of weekly.
(b.) T h e " W e s t e r n and G e n e r a l " a n d Eastern R e p o r t s should
b e combined in one R e p o r t a n d issued a l t e r n a t e l y w i t h
t h e " British E m p i r e " Report,
(c.) T h e staff for t h e purpose of compiling the R e p o r t s should
be r e d u c e d to the scale contemplated in t h e above
Memorandum.
2, Whitehall Gardens, S.W.
August 19, 1919.
1,
APPENDIX,
Paraphrase
of Extracts from Foreign Office telegram No. D.C. 19, from
Commissioner,
Eeval, dated August 15, 1919.
i
the
Deputy
-""""""
Note to the Foreign
Minister
of Esthonian
Government
from
General
Gough.
1. G E N E R A L G O U G H is glad to receive a s s u r a n c e from you that E s t h o n i a n
G o v e r n m e n t will give every possible s u p p o r t to t h e Russian N o r t h - W e s t G o v e r n m e n t
t h a t has b e e n recently formed . . . .
2. T h e Russian .North-West Government, composed of a coalition consisting of
m e m b e r s of various parties, presents t h r o u g h its P r i m e Minister a n d F o r e i g n Minister
a note to you, which note is b e i n g sent simultaneously to representatives of F r a n c e ,
G r e a t Britain, a n d U n i t e d States. Your claim to recognition of complete independence
is b e i n g p u t forward b y Colonel P i r r i e Gordon, representative h e r e of British F o r e i g n
Office. Assurances of m y deepest s y m p a t h y have already been communicated to you,
a n d I h e r e b y assure you again that this s y m p a t h y will b e continued on the condition
t h a t you on your part s u p p o r t both t h e political as well as the m i l i t a r y aspirations of
t h e new democracy established in N o r t h - W e s t Russia.
o
Printed
SECRET.
for
the War
-
August
1919.
.
WAR
Conclusions
Cabinet.
149
,
CABINET
618.
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet, held at 10, Downing
Tuesday, August 19, 19 L9, at 3 P.M.
Street, S.W.,
on
Present':
The P R I M E M I N I S T E R (in the
The
Right
Hon.
the
E a r l C U R Z O N OF
Chair).
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. C H A M B E R L A I N , M . P .
KEDLESTON, K G . , G.C.S.I., G . C . I . E .
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. BONAR L A W , M . P .
T h e R i g h t Hon. Sir E. G E D D E S , G . C . B . ,
G.B.E., M . P .
T h e R i g h t Hon. G . N . B A R N E S , M . P .
T h e following were also p r e s e n t :
T h e R i g h t Hon. W . L O N G , M . P . , F i r s t
Lord of t h e A d m i r a l t y .
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir A. C . G E D D E S , K . C . B .
M . P . , P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of T r a d e .
The
M.P.,
T h e R i g h t Hon. H . A. L. F I S H E R , L L . D . ,
M.P., President, Board of Education.
T h e R i g h t Hon. t h e Viscount M I L N E R ,
G.C.B., G.C.M.G., Secretary of S t a t e
for t h e Colonies.
T h e R i g h t Hon. Sir R. S. H O R N E , K . B . E . ,
K.C., M.P., Minister of Labour.
Right
Hon.
E. S. MONTAGU,
Secretary of S t a t e for India.
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M. P . A. H A N K E Y , G.C.B.,
Captain L. F . B U R G I S , Assistant
Secretary.
Lieutenant-Colonel L. STORK, C . B . , Assistant
[656]
Secretary.
Secretary.
The Future of
Turkey.
W I T H reference t o W a r Cabinet 617, M i n u t e 2, t h e discussion
resumed in regard to t h e future of T u r k e y .
There was n o dispute t h a t t h e best solution was one based on
t h e acceptance of a m a n d a t e for Constantinople a n d Armenia by t h e
U n i t e d S t a t e s of America. Various a l t e r n a t i v e s were discussed to
m e e t t h e contingency of t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s declining a m a n d a t e ,
which recent telegrams have indicated as probable.
w
a
s
The W a r Cabinet adjourned t h e discussion u n t i l 11 A.M. on t h e
following d a y , a n d instructed t h e Secretary to obtain
immediately information. as to t h e size of t h e garrisons of
British and I n d i a n forces in all p a r t s of t h e former Turkish
E m p i r e , a n d also as to t h e cost of m a i n t a i n i n g those forces,
as well as naval forces necessitated thereby, on t h e V o t e s of
t h e Admiralty, W a r Office, Air Ministry, and Ministry of
Shipping respectively.
Whitehall Gardens, S.W.
August 19, 1919.
1,
o
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
August
1919.
SECRET.
1'4Q
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET
619.
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet, held at 10, Downing
ov Wednesday,
August 20, 1919, at 11 A.M.
Street,
S.W.1,
Present:
The P R I M E M I N I S T E R (in the
Right" Hon. t h e E a r l C U R Z O N O F
KEDLESTON, K G . , G . C . S . I . , G . O . I . E .
The
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. C H A M B E R L A I N , M . P .
Chair).
The R i g h t Hon. A. B O N A R L A W , M.P.
The R i g h t H o n . Sir E . G E D D E S ,
G.C.B.,
G . B . E . , M.P.
The R i g h t Hon. G . N . BARNES, M.P.
T h e following were also present :—
T h e R i g h t Hon. t h e Viscount M I L N E R ,
G . C . B . , G . C . M . G . , Secretary of S t a t e
for t h e Colonies.
T h e R i g h t H o n . E . S. M O N T A G U , M . P . ,
' S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for India.
The R i g h t H o n . W . LONG, M.P., F i r s t
Lord of t h e Admiralty.
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir A. C. G E D D E S , K.C.B.,
M.P.,
President
of t h e Board of
Trade.
T h e R i g h t H o n . H . A. L. F I S H E R , LL.D.,
M.P.,
President
of t h e Board of
Education.
Major-General S i r P . P . de B . R A D C L I E F E ,
The R i g h t Hon. Sir R. S. H O R N E , K . B . E . ,
K . C . , M . P . , Minister of Labour (for
Minute 1).
Vice-Admiral S i r Montague E . B R O W N I N G ,
G.C.M.G., K . C . B . , M.V.O., Second Sea
L o r d a n d Chief of N a v a l Personnel (for
Minutes 1-2).
K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O., Director of
M i l i t a r y Operations (for M i n u t e s 1-2).
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M. P . A. H A N K E Y , G.C.B.,
Mr. T H O M A S J O N E S , Assistant
Mr. G. M. E V A N S , Assistant
Secretary.
Secretary.
Lieutenant-Colonel L. S T O R E , C . B . , Assistant
Captain L . F . B U R G I S , Assistant
[663]
Secretary.
Secretary.
Secretary.
The Future of
Turkey: Correction
of Minutes.
Ctltf
1
Question of the
Khalifate.
1. W i t h reference to W a r C a b i n e t 618, the W a r Cabinet
i n s t r u c t e d the Secretary to amend t h e above m i n u t e in t h e sense
t h a t t h e r e w a s no d i s p u t e t h a t t h e best solution of t h e p r o b l e m of
the future of T u r k e y was one based on the acceptance by the
U n i t e d States of a m a n d a t e for Asia Minor as well as for Constanti­
nople and A r m e n i a .
T h e Secretary of S t a t e for I n d i a said t h a t h e u n d e r s t o o d that,
to t h e M o h a m m e d a n s , it w a s necessary t h a t the Khalif should have
sovereign power. A s the W a r Cabinet knew, G r e a t B r i t a i n was
p l e d g e d not t o interfere i n t h e question of the succession to the
Khalifate. H e h a d seen a draft T r e a t y with T u r k e y , which left
the K i n g of t h e Hejaz as t h e only i n d e p e n d e n t Sovereign. H e was
strongly of opinion that, in d r a w i n g u p the m a n d a t e s for T u r k e y ,
the t e r m s should b e so drafted as to m a k e it quite clear t h a t we
h a d no intention or desire to force t h e K i n g of the Hejaz as t h e
only possible c a n d i d a t e .
T h e W a r Cabinet a p p r o v e d the Secretary of State's proposal,
and r e q u e s t e d t h e A c t i n g Secretary of State for F o r e i g n
Affairs to t a k e the necessary action to give effect to it.
Substitution of
Mechanical Devices
for Personnel in
future Garrisons.
British and Indian
Forces in the
former Turkish
Empire.
Mesopotamian Oil:
Agreement with
the French.
Policy in regard
to the Future of
Turkey and of
Syria.
The Baltic Pro­
vinces.
T h e r e was a s h o r t discussion as to t h e possibilities, b y u s i n g
aircraft, motor-cars, and military mechanical appliances, of effecting
a very m a t e r i a l r e d u c t i o n of t h e g a r r i s o n s of I n d i a a n d o t h e r p a r t s
of t h e British E m p i r e .
F i g u r e s w e r e discussed s h o w i n g t h e s t r e n g t h of t h e B r i t i s h a n d
I n d i a n military forces in the former T u r k i s h E m p i r e , E g y p t , a n d
Transcaucasia, a n d of t h e cost of t h e maintenance of these, and of
the ancilliary N a v a l , Air, a n d S h i p p i n g Services.
Referring to a s t a t e m e n t m a d e b y t h e P r i m e Minister on the
previous day, the F i r s t L o r d of t h e A d m i r a l t y explained t h e general
lines of a n a g r e e m e n t w h i c h h a d been entered into w i t h representa­
tives of t h e F r e n c h G o v e r n m e n t in r e g a r d to the oil of Mesopotamia,
u n d e r which F r a n c e w a s to acquire a m a x i m u m interest of 25 per
cent, and a m i n i m u m of 18 p e r c e n t , i n the company to b e formed
for t h e development of the oil resources, and u n d e r w h i c h t h e F r e n c h
a g r e e d to absolute British control.
I t was explained that, for political reasons, a n d u n d e r i n s t r u c ­
tions from t h e P r i m e Minister, t h i s a r r a n g e m e n t h a d been denounced,
a n d t h e F r e n c h G o v e r n m e n t h a d recently acknowledged i t s
denunciation.
T h e W a r C a b i n e t h a d a p r o l o n g e d discussion on t h e future of
T u r k e y , a n d t h e policy to be followed in r e g a r d to Syria, and
reached t h e following i n t e r i m conclusions : ­
(a.) Lord. C u r z o n . should t a k e a n early o p p o r t u n i t y to discuss
t h e s e questions w i t h Mr. Balfour.
(6.) T h e W a r Office should examine a n d r e p o r t u p o n t h e ques­
tion of how far t h e oasis of T a d m o r ( P a l m y r a ) is essential
to t h e construction of a railway a n d pipe-line between
Mosul a n d t h e Mediterranean.
2. T h e W a r C a b i n e t h a d before t h e m a t e l e g r a m from Mr.
Balfour (No. 1285 ( R ) , dated 19th A u g u s t , 1919), r e g a r d i n g t h e
situation in E s t h o n i a , t o g e t h e r w i t h a t e l e g r a m ( D . C . - 3 8 , dated
18th A u g u s t , 1919) from t h e D e p u t y Commissioner at Reval, g i v i n g
a m e s s a g e from G e n e r a l G o u g h r e g a r d i n g w h a t steps h e (General
G o u g h ) r e c o m m e n d e d should b e t a k e n r e g a r d i n g t h e E s t h o n i a n
Government.
,
.
T h e W a r C a b i n e t agreed t h a t —
(a.) T h e A c t i n g Secretary of State for F o r e i g n Affairs should
send t o t h e D e p u t y Commissioner at Reval a t e l e g r a m
W.C. 619
3
in t h e sense of t h e first p a r t of Mr. Balfour's draft
t e l e g r a m No. 1285 (R).
(6.) The A c t i n g Secretary of State for F o r e i g n Affairs should,
after further e x a m i n i n g t h e question, c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h
the Secretary of State for W a r , with a view to a com­
m u n i c a t i o n b e i n g sent to G e n e r a l G o u g h r e g a r d i n g t h e
latter's duties.
Official Naval
History of the
3. T h e question of t h e Official Naval History was adjourned
u n t i l t h e Secretary of State for W a r could b e present.
Instructions to
Lord Grey on his
Appointment to
Washington.
4. T h e W a r Cabinet decided upon t h e terms of the Letter of
I n s t r u c t i o n to be sent to Lord Grey upon his a p p o i n t m e n t to t h e
E m b a s s y at W a s h i n g t o n .
2, Whitehall
August
Gardens, S.W.
20, 1919.
1,
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
August
1910
SECRET.
iAQ
JL JLSJ'
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET 6 2 0 .
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet held at 10, Dozening Street,
on Monday, August 1'5, 1919, at 3 P.M.
S.W.,
Present :
The R i g h t Hon. A. B O N A R L A W , M . P . (in the
Chair).
T h e R i g h t H o n . G. N . B A R N E S , M . P .
The following were also p r e s e n t :
T h e R i g h t Hon. Sir A. C. G E D D E S , K.C.B.,
M.P., President of t h e Board of Trade.
Sir C. RTJTHEN, K.C.B., H i s Majesty's
Office of W o r k s (for M i n u t e 1).
The R i g h t H o n . t h e E A R L O F L Y T T O N ,
Civil Lord of t h e A d m i r a l t y (for
Minute 1).
Mr. H . N . BTTNBURY, C . B . , A c c o u n t a n t General, Ministry of Shipping (for
M i n u t e 1).
Mr. W . F . N I C H O L S O N ,
Mr.
C.B.,
Admiralty
(for M i n u t e 1).
Sir R. F . D U N N E L L , K . C . B . , Ministry of
Transport; (for M i n u t e 1).
Sir
LIONEL
EARLE,
K.C.B.,
Secretary, H i s Majesty's
W o r k s (for M i n u t e 1).
C.M.G.,
Office
E.
C.
Secretary,
Minute l ) .
CUNNINGHAM,
Ministry
of
C . B . , Second
Labour
(for
Mr. F . H . O A T E S , C . B . , Board of Education
(for M i n u t e l ) .
of
Mr. T H O M A S J O N E S , Acting
Secretary.
C a p t a i n L . F . B U R G I S , Assistant
Mr. T . S T . Q U I N T I N H I L L , Assistant
Secretary.
Secretary.
Office Accommodatum.
1. W I T H reference to W a r Cabinet. 6 1 1 , Minute 1, t h e W a r
Cabinet h a d before t h e m t h e following P a p e r s :—
M e m o r a n d u m by Mr. Barnes (Paper G . T . - 8 0 2 9 ) .
M e m o r a n d u m by Sir Lionel E a r l e ( P a p e r G-.T.-8042).
M e m o r a n d u m by Mr. Barnes (Paper G . T . - 8 0 4 6 ) .
T h e W a r Cabinet decided t h a t —
(a.) A r r a n g e m e n t s should be m a d e for the A d m i r a l t y Controllers
staff to be moved out of t h e Great George Street b u i l d i n g s ,
so-as to provide room, by the 15th S e p t e m b e r for (a) 400
Board of T r a d e officials of the h i g h e r staff, and (b) 300
officials of the Board of E d u c a t i o n ;
(b.) T h e Office of W o r k s should submit a r e p o r t to t h e W a r
Cabinet of the permanent, accommodation r e q u i r e d b y
the Ministry of T r a n s p o r t
(c.) T h e A d m i r a l t y should m a k e every effort to absorb into t h e
A d m i r a l t y building, by t h e end of t h e year, all t h e staff
now to be transferred to L a k e B u i l d i n g s in consequence
of decision (a) above.
1 * ^
Eeduction of Staffs
in Government
Departments.
o
2. T h e W a r Cabinet h a d before t h e m a M e m o r a n d u m by t h e
P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of T r a d e (Paper G.T.-7918). covering a
R e p o r t b y Sir Malcolm Ramsay's Committee, w h i c h w a s a p p o i n t e d
t o assist in c a r r y i n g out the decisions contained in W a r Cabinet 550',
Minute 2, a n d W a r Cabinet 552, Minute 5 (6), in connection w i t h t h e
r e d u c t i o n of staffs in Government D e p a r t m e n t s .
T h e W a r , Cabinet took note of t h e desire of the P r e s i d e n t of
t h e Board of T r a d e to be formerly relieved of any special r e s p o n s i ­
bility or d u t y r e l a t i n g to the staffs of other D e p a r t m e n t s , a n d
decided t h a t —
f
a
T h e P i e s i d e n t of the Board of T r a d e should b e formally relieved
henceforward of a n y such responsibility.
Wheat Prices for
1919.
.
­ 3. W i t h reference to War Cabinet 617, Minute 3, t h e W a r
Cabinet took note t h a t a m e e t i n g h a d taken place on W e d n e s d a y ,
t h e 20th A u g u s t , 1919, attended b y —
T h e R i g h t Hon. A. Bonar L a w ,
T h e Chancellor of the E x c h e q u e r ,
T h e R i g h t Hon. G. H. R o b e r t s , a n d
Sir A. Griffith Boseawen,
'
a t which was considered t h e M e m o r a n d u m "by Sir A r t h u r Boscawen
p r o p o s i n g t h a t the W h e a t Commission should give s u c h a r e b a t e to
millers p u r c h a s i n g h o m e - g r o w n wheat as would enable them to p a y
prices w h i c h would, on t h e average, j u s t cover the G o v e r n m e n t
g u a r a n t e e ( P a p e r G . T . - 7 9 6 9 ) , a n d that—T h e . Committee concurred in t h e proposal set forth i n t h e
M e m o r a n d u m , a n d r e q u e s t e d Sir A r t h u r Boscawen, after
consultation with t h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of A g r i c u l t u r e ,
to s u b m i t a n y press notice it was desired to issue, to Mr
Bonar L a w for approval.
W.C. 620
3
Prisoners of War
Committee.
4. W i t h reference to W a r Cabinet 477, Minute 17, t h e W a r
Cabinet took note t h a t it was proposed to dissolve t h e I n t e r ­
d e p a r t m e n t a l Prisoners of W a r Committee, set u p in F e b r u a r y ,
1916T h e W a r Cabinet agreed to the dissolution of t h e Committee,
a n d directed the Acting Secretary to inform the Secretary
of the Committee of t h e i r decision.
2, Whitehall Gardens, S.W.
August 25, 1919.
1,
o
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
September
1919.
SECRET.
-
JS
-
WAR
Conclusions
of a Meeting
CABINET
of the War
on Tuesday,
Cabinet
September
iA
621.
held at 10, Downing
Street,
S.W.,
2, 1919, at 11*30 A.M.
Present:
T h e R i g h t Hon. A. B O N A R L A W , M . P . (in the
The Right
Chair).
Hon. the E A R L
KEDLESTON,
K.G.,
C U R Z O N OF j T h e R i g h t Hon. G . N . B A R N E S , M . P .
G.C.S.I.,
G.C.I.E.
T h e R i g h t Hon. A. C H A M B E R L A I N , M . P .
The following were also present :
T h e R i g h t Hon. t h e V I S C O U N T M I L N E R , \ Field-Marshal Sir H . H . W I L S O N , G . C . B . ,
D.S.O., Chief of t h e Imperial General
G.C.B., G . C . M . G . , Secretary of S t a t e
Staff.
for t h e Colonies.
T h e R i g h t Hon. E. S. M O N T A G U , M . P . ,
Secretary of S t a t e for India.
Mr. T H O M A S J O N E S , Acting
Secretary.
Mr. P E M B R O K E W I C K S , Assistant
Captain L. F . B U R G I S , Assistant
Mr. T. S T . Q . H I L L , Assistant
The Caucasus and
Armenia.
765]
Secretary.
Secretary.
Secretary.
1. W i t h reference to W a r Cabinet 612, Minute 2, t h e W a r
Cabinet h a d u n d e r consideration the situation in the Caucasus a n d
Armenia, a n d h a d before t h e m a letter from Mr. Balfour to t h e
P r i m e Minister (G.T.-7919), t o g e t h e r with the following m e m o r a n d a
from the Secretary of State for W a r ( G . T . - 8 0 0 6 , G . T . - 8 0 1 4 ,
G . T . - 8 0 5 1 , G . T . - 8 0 5 2 , a n d G.T.-8080).
T h e W a r Cabinet discussed the situation which would arise i n
the event of our evacuation of the Caucasus b e i n g followed by a
concerted a t t a c k u p o n t h e A r m e n i a n s b y the T u r k s at E r z e r u m , a n d
the i n h a b i t a n t s of Georgia a n d Daghestan, w i t h the r e s u l t a n t
wholesale massacre of t h e A r m e n i a n population.
The W a r Cabinet d e c i d e d —
(1.) T h a t t h e A c t i n g Secretary of State for F o r e i g n Affairs s h o u l d
t e l e g r a p h to Mr. Baliour t h a t , in t h e opinion of o u r
military advisers, t h e s e n d i n g as proposed in Mr.
B a l f o u r s telegram No. 1312 a F r e n c h force of
12,000 m e n via A l e x a n d r e t t a to t h e relief of t h e
A r m e n i a n s in t h e Caucasus w a s not a p r a c t i c a b l e
operation ; t h a t t h e F r e n c h G o v e r n m e n t should b e
invited to despatch the force in question to one of t h e
Black Sea p o r t s ; a n d should b e informed t h a t t h e
British G o v e r n m e n t would be w i l l i n g to p l a c e at t h e i r
disposal t h e stores which had a c c u m u l a t e d in t h e Black
Sea p o r t s a n d in the Caucasus, a n d to delay t h e
evacuation of B r i t i s h troops from t h e Caucasus until t h e
F r e n c h h a d become established there.
(2.) T h a t the Chief of t h e Imperial G e n e r a l Staff should proceed
to P a r i s in t h e course of the n e x t few days to discuss t h e
-matter with Mr; Ba-lfeur and t h e F r e n c h Government.
(3.) T h a t t h e W a r Office should p r e p a r e a p a p e r showing t h e
degree of d a n g e r which would exist for a limited
B r i t i s h force in t h e Caucasus as proposed i n t h e t e l e g r a m
from General Milne, (G.C. No. 192 of the 21st A u g u s t ) ,
a n d should examine to w h a t extent s u c h a limited force
would b e effective for the p u r p o s e of p r o t e c t i n g t h e
Armenians.
(4.) T h a t t h e A c t i n g Secretary of State for F o r e i g n Affairs should
m a k e a similar e n q u i r y of t h e B r i t i s h political officers in
the Caucasus.
Co-ordination of
Demobilisation
Section of the War
Cabinet.
'
-
I lurk
.
. ..
, ,
2. W i t h reference to W a r Cabinet 5 2 3 , Minute 9, the W a r
Cabinet decided on the suggestion of t h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of
Trade that—
T h e Co-ordination of Demobilisation Section of t h e W a r C a b i n e t
should be dissolved forthwith.
2, Whitehall Gardens, S.W.
September 2, 1919.
1,
o
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
September 1919.
SECRET.
Mo,
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET
622.
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet, held at 10, Downing
Thursday, September 18, 1919, at 4 P.M.
Street, S. W., on
Present:
T h e P R I M E M I N I S T E R (in the
T h e R i g h t H o n . G. N . B A R N E S ,
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. B O N A R L A W , M . P .
The R i g h t
M.P.
Hon. the E a r l
CURZON
KEDLESTON, K . G . , G . C . S . I . , G . C . I . E .
T h e R i g h t Hon. Sir E . G E D D E S , G . C . B . ,
G.B.E.,
Chair).
M.P.
T h e following were also present
T h e R i g h t H o n . t h e Viscount M I L N E R ,
G.C.B., G . C . M . G . , S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e
for t h e Colonies.
T h e R i g h t H o n . W . S. C H U R C H I L L , M . P . ,
S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for W a r .
Admiral Sir R. E . W E M Y S S , G.C.B., C . B . ,
C . M . G . , M.V.O., F i r s t Sea Lord.
T h e R i g h t H o n . E . S. M O N T A G U , M . P . ,
Secretary of S t a t e for India.
T h e R i g h t H o n . C . A D D I S O N , M.D., M . P . ,
Minister of H e a l t h .
The Right Hon. H . A . L. FISHER, LL.D.,
M . P . , P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of E d u c a tion.
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir R . S. H O R N E , K . C . ,
K . B . E . , Minister of Labour.
Major-General
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir J . M A C L A Y ,
S h i p p i n g Controller.
Bart.,
P.
C.B.,
D.S.O.,
Operations.
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M. P . A . H A N K E Y , G.C.B.,
Mr. T H O M A S J O N E S , Assistant
[903]
de
B.
RADCLIEEE,
of
Military
Secretary.
Secretary.
Mr. P E M B R O K E W I C K S , Assistant
Mr. G. M. E V A N S , Assistant
P.
Director
Secretary.
Secretary.
B
1. The P r i m e Minister gave a full account of the recent
meetings of t h e Supreme Council of t h e Principal Allied a n d
Associated Powers, which he h a d a t t e n d e d in Paris.
The W a r Cabinet took note of t h e conclusions reached a t this
Conference (Appendix I ) .
2. The Secretary of S t a t e for t h e Colonies, a t t h e request of t h e
W a r Cabinet, undertook to m e e t t h e E m i r Feisal on his arrival t h a t
evening.
3. The W a r
ments:—
Cabinet h a d before t h e m t h e
following
docu­
The
conclusions of the Paris Conferences (Nos. 18/B/60)
(Appendix 1).
A note by t h e Secretary (18/Q/252) covering : ­
(1.) A l e t t e r from t h e Emir Feisal t o t h e P r i m e Minister.
(2.) A s t a t e m e n t made by His H i g h n e s s E m i r Feisal to the
Chief of t h e General Staff, E g y p t i a n Expeditionary
Force, and t h e Political Officer, Damascus, on t h e
31st A u g u s t , 1919.
(3.) An aide-memoire
handed by t h e Prime Minister to
M. Clemenceau on t h e 13th September.
A draft telegram from W a r Office t o t h e F.M. Commander-inChief E g y p t (G.T.-8176) (Appendix II).
T h e W a r Cabinet decided—
(a.) Before t h e . despatch of t h e draft t e l e g r a m t o E g y p t ,
Cabinet Committee composed as follows :—
The Secretary of S t a t e for Foreign Affairs ;
The Secretary of S t a t e for t h e Colonies ;
Field-Marshal Lord Allenby ; w i t h
Colonel Gribbon and o t h e r e x p e r t s as necessary,
a
should consider t h e question of t h e t e m p o r a r y and
provisional- line in Palestine a n d Mesopotamia behind
which t h e British troops are to be w i t h d r a w n .
(6.) T h e telegram should not be despatched u n t i l after, t h e
forthcoming negotiations w i t h t h e E m i r Feisal.
4, W i t h reference to W a r Cabinet 617, Conclusion 1, t h e W a r
Cabinet h a d a discussion on t h e general Russian situation, and
decided—
T h a t t h e Secretary of S t a t e for W a r should, in t h e following
week, submit t h e proposals of t h e W a r Office in r e g a r d t o
t h e assistance in personnel, material, a n d stores t h a t should
be given to General Denikin, as t h e fioal contribution of
t h e British Government to his cause in t h e s t r u g g l e against
t h e Soviet Government.
5. W i t h reference t o W a r Cabinet 621, Conclusion 1, t h e W a r
Cabinet h a d some discussion on t h e question of t h e evacuation of
British troops from t h e Caucasus, a n d decided—
T h a t t h e Secretary of S t a t e for W a r should immediately obtain
from t h e British Commander in t h e Caucasus his appre­
ciatipii. of t h e situation t h a t m i g h t be expected t o arise if
t h e British troops were immediately w i t h d r a w n from
B a t o u m ; a n d t h a t in particular t h e British C o m m a n d e r
should be asked for his opinion a s t o w h e t h e r t h e Georgians
would be able to occupy a n d garrison t h e town.
In the
meantime, t h e British troops a t present a t B a t o u m should
n o t be evacuated.
Civilian Passenger
Accommodation to
the Far East.
)/ / ?
1 3 1 ' I
2
Shipping and the
Congestion of Ports.
17^
[2.
1
(
*4rJr
f
.,
Surmlv of Pood and
Eaw Materials to
Germany.
6. The W a r Cabinet decided-—
.
. . . .
,
.
1 adjourn consideration of t h e question of t h e shipping accom­
modation for civilians t o I n d i a a n d t h e F a r E a s t , raised b y
t h e Shipping Controller in his memorandum (G.T.-8174)/­
s
n
Q
7. W i t h reference t o W a r Cabinet 588, M i n u t e
Cabinet decided t h a t —
3, t h e
War
The P r i m e Minister, t h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of Trade, t h e
Minister of Transport, and t h e Shipping Controller should
m e e t at 12 noon on Friday, t h e 19th September, in order
* discuss t h e question of t h e employment of shipping and
t h e congestion of ports, particularly in relation to t h e
shortage of bunker coal.
0
^' ^
W a r Cabinet had under consideration a memorandum
by t h e Food Controller (G.T.-8173) on t h e question of t h e supply
of food and r a w materials to Germany.
e
The W a r Cabinet approved t h e proposal t h a t t h e Germans
should be requested to send t h e i r food e x p e r t s to London
for t h e purpose of discussing w i t h t h e Consultative Food
Committee t h e conditions t h a t should govern t h e purchases
of food by Germany from t h e A l l i e s ; a n d directed t h e
British representatives t o t a k e action accordingly when
t h i s recommendation should come u p for discussion a t t h e
S u p r e m e Economic Council.
Devastated Areas
in Prance and
Belgium.
9. The W a r Cabinet had under consideration a memorandum
b y t h e C.I.G.S. (G.T.-8007 (e) ), in which a clear definition was
asked for of our responsibilities as r e g a r d s clearing d e v a s t a t e d areas
in F r a n c e a n d Belgium. I t was s t a t e d in t h e m e m o r a n d u m t h a t
M. Clemenceau claimed t h a t we h a d promised to clear t h e whole
place out.
The W a r Cabinet took note of t h e statements- of t h e Prime
Minister and t h e Secretary of S t a t e for W a r t h a t no such
promise as t h a t referred to b y M. Clemenceau h a d been
given.
2, Whitehall
[903]
-
Gardens,
S.W.,
September 18, 1919.
B 2
' y
A P P E N D I X I.
. (18/B/60.)
;
—
Conclusions of a Meeting of the Heads of Delegations of the Five Principal Allied and
Associated
Powers, held in M. Glemenceaus Room at the War Office Paris, on
M,onday, September 15, at 10*30 A.M.
Military
Occupation
of Syria
and
Cilicia.
1. M. Clemenceau, on behalf of t h e French Government, accepted Mr. Lloyd
George's proposal for t h e evacuation by t h e British army of Syria and Cilicia, a n d their
replacement by French troops in Cilicia a u d i n Syria west of t h e Sykes-Picot line, on
t h e distinct, understanding t h a t , in accepting this proposal, t h e French G o v e r n m e n t
was n o t committed to acceptance of any other p a r t of t h e a r r a n g e m e n t s proposed in
Mr. Lloyd George's aide-memoire,
d a t e d t h e 13th September, 1919, " in r e g a r d to t h e
occupation of Syria, Palestine, and Mesopotamia, pending t h e decision in regard to,
mandates."
2. The Conference took note of t h e above a g r e e m e n t as a purely t e m p o r a r y
provisional a r r a n g e m e n t for military occupation without prejudice to t h e final settle­
m e n t of m a n d a t e s or boundaries, which would have to be considered as p a r t of t h e
general question of peace with T u r k e y .
League of
Nations.
3. I t was agreed t h a t Mr. Polk should recommend P r e s i d e n t Wilson to summon, as
soon as t h e t r e a t y has been ratified by t h r e e of t h e principal Allied and Associated
P o w e r s , t h e Council of t h e League of Nations for a m e e t i n g to be held in E u r o p e , which
will be devoted solely to the examination of questions in which t h e action of t h e Council
of t h e L e a g u e is required within a short period of t h e t r e a t y coming into force.
Trial pf German
Officers under the Treaty
of
Peace.
4. I t was agreed t h a t t h e principal Allied and Associated Powers, in exacting from
t h e G e r m a n Government t h e delivery of t h e persons referred to in Article 228 of t h e
T r e a t y of Peace with G e r m a n y , should limit their d e m a n d to a small selected number
of typical cases.
Conclusions of a Meeting of the Heads of Delegations of the Five Principal Allied, and
Room at the War Office, Paris, on
Associated
Powers, held, in M. Clemenceau's
. Monday, September 15, at 4 P.M.
Russia.
1. I t was agreed t h a t Marshal Foch should m a k e a formal demand on t h e G e r m a n
G o v e r n m e n t immediately to evacuate the Baltic Provinces of Russia, and to w i t h d r a w
t h e i r forces within t h e boundaries of Germany, as defined by t h e T r e a t y of Peace.
He
shall further inform t h e G e r m a n Government t h a t , if t h e y do not comply with his
demand, he will t a k e t h e necessary steps to enforce it.
2. I t -was agreed t h a t General H e n r y s should be e n t r u s t e d by t h e Allied and
Associated Powers as their representative w i t h t h e control o f . t h e evacuation of t h e
G e r m a n troops. A c t i n g in t h e same quality, he shall have a u t h o r i t y to use t h e Polish
A r m y i n case t h e Germans do not comply w i t h t h e demand for evacuation.
3. I n placing t h e Polish A r m y a t t h e disposal of t h e Allied and Associated Powers,
M. Paderewski undertook a t t h e same time t h a t t h e r e should be no interference by t h e
Polish G o v e r n m e n t or A r m y w i t h t h e local G o v e r n m e n t s of t h e Baltic Provinces.
Blockade
of
Fiume.
4. I t was agreed t h a t , as soon a s M . Tittoni h a d obtained t h e consent of the Italian
G o v e r n m e n t , the following press notice should be published :—
" A t t h e request of the Italian Government t h e Principal Allied a n d
Associated Powers have agreed to participate in t h e maritime blockade of F i u m e ,
which t h e Italian troops h a v e already surrounded on l a n d . "
The Policing
of
Budapest.
5. I t w a s agreed t h a t t h e following telegram should he s e n t to t h e Inter-Allied
Military Mission a t B u d a p e s t in reply to their telegram No. 292 :—
" W e do not intend to interfere a t all in t h e internal affairs of H u n g a r y .
Our
only wish is t h e constitution of a stable Government, if t h i s is possible, and t o
this effect we invite you to let t h e H u n g a r i a n authorities k n o w t h a t we desire t h e
speedy constitution of a gendarmerie force capable of maintaining order after t h e
w i t h d r a w a l of the Roumanian A r m y .
W e , therefore, direct you to inform t h e
R o u m a n i a n Military Authorities of our intentions, a n d a t t h e same time to invite
t h e m in t h e most categorical way to give every facility, so long as they occupy
H u n g a r i a n territory, for t h e formation and a r m a m e n t of this gendarmerie. Tn no
case can t h e r e be a n y question of a loan."
A P P E N D I X II.
.(G.T.-8176.)
MILITARY
Draft-Telegram
from
OCCUPATION OP S Y R I A AND
War Office to Field-Marshal
September 1919.
CILICIA.
Commander-in-Chief,
] . A S a result of last week's negotiations with t h e F r e n c h
E g y p t i a n situation, t h e following agreement has been come to :—
Egypt,
regarding
the
2. S t e p s will be taken immediately to prepare for the evacuation by t h e British
a r m y of Syria a n d Cilicia, including t h e T a u r u s Tunnel. The British garrisons will be
relieved as follows :—
(a.) I n Cilicia and in Syria west of t h e S y k e s - P i c o t line, by a F r e n c h force. The
expression " west of t h e S y k e s - P i c o t l i n e " is t a k e n to mean t h e Blue
Area for t h e purposes of relief.
(b.) T h e garrisons a t Damascus, Horns, H a m a , a n d Aleppo will be replaced by a n
A r a b force.
3. T h e relief will commence on t h e 1st November, 1919, under t h e orders of FieldMarshal L o r d Allenby, who will r e t a i n command of t h e whole area until t h e relief is
completed. After t h e British troops have been w i t h d r a w n a n d t h e relief completed,
n e i t h e r t h e British G o v e r n m e n t nor t h e British Commander-in-Chief shall have a n y
responsibility within t h e zones from which t h e army has retired.
4. Subsequent t o t h e above relief, t h e t e r r i t o r y occupied by British troops will be
Palestine (provisionally defined in accordance with its ancient boundaries of D a n to
Beersheba), a n d Mesopotamia, including Mosul. This a r r a n g e m e n t will be purely
t e m p o r a r y and provisional w i t h o u t prejudice to t h e final settlement of m a n d a t e s or
boundaries, which will be considered as p a r t of t h e general question of peace w i t h
Turkey.
5. P e n d i n g t h e delimitation of the boundaries of Palestine and Mesopotamia, t h e
British Commander-in-Chief shall have t h e r i g h t to occupy outposts as may be
necessitated b y t h e military situation. The following approximate line should be
occupied accordingly—Ref. 1/1,000,000 :—
L i t a n i river (right b a n k ) , Banias, W a d i - M u g h a n i , W e s t e r n and Southern border
of Lejja, W e s t e r n foothills of Jebel Druze, so as to include U p p e r waters of W a d i s
flowing into Y e r m u k , a n d Bosra, thence Deir-ez-Zer (exclusive of T a d m u r ) r i g h t bank
of K h a b u r and W a d i - e r - R u d d to bend of Tigris east of Midiat, thence by r i g h t bank of
Tigris to Til. All places named (other t h a n T a d m u r ) inclusive.
6. T h e F r e n c h are v e r y desirous t h a t their d e t a c h m e n t s should be allowed t o
r e m a i n in Aleppo a n d Damascus, b u t t h i s can only be done with consent of Feisul
w i t h whom question will b e raised after arrival in London where he is due on t h e
1 8 t h September.
7. W i t h reference to telegram No. 81147, dated 12th September, regarding
exchange of Turkish for British rifles for FeisuTs troops it is intended to consult t h e
F r e n c h G o v e r n m e n t with a view t o proceeding with the exchange as promised and b y
which control of Feisufs ammunition supply will be established. F u r t h e r instructions
will follow in d u e course on this point.
o
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
September
1919.
- -
SECRET.
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET
623.
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet, held at 10, Downing
Wednesday, September 24, 1919, at 4 P.M.
Street, S.W., on
Present :
The P R I M E M I N I S T E R (in the
The Right
Hon. t h e E a r l CURZON OF
KEDLESTON, K G . , G . C . S . I . , G . C . I . E .
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. C H A M B E R L A I N , M.P.
Chair).
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. B O N A R L A W , M . P .
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir E . G E D D E S ,
G.C.B.,
G . B . E . , M.P.
T h e following were also p r e s e n t :
T h e R i g h t H o n . t h e Viscount M I L N E R ,
G.C.B., G.C.M.G., S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e
for t h e Colonies.
T h e R i g h t H o n . W . S. C H U R C H I L L , M . P . ,
S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for W a r .
Major-General Sir P . P . D E B. R A D C L I E F E ,
K C . M . G , C.B., D.S.O., Director of
Military Operations (for Minutes 1 a n d 2).
The R i g h t H o n . W . LONG, M . P . , F i r s t
Lord of t h e Admiralty.
A d m i r a l Sir R . E . W E M Y S S , G . C . B . . C . M . G . ,
M.V.O., F i r s t Sea Lord a n d Chief of t h e
N a v a l Staff.
T h e R i g h t Hon. Sir A, C. G E D D E S , K . C . B . ,
M.P., President
of
t h e Board of
Trade.
T h e R i g h t H o n . H . A. L. F I S H E R , L.L.D., T h e R i g h t Hon. C. A D D I S O N , M . D . , M . P . ,
M . P . , P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board
of
Minister of H e a l t h .
Education.
Sir W . F . M A R W O O D , K . C . B . , J o i n t P e r Sir D . J . SHAOKLETON, K . C . B . , Secretary,
m a n e n t S e c r e t a r y , Board of Trade (for
M i n u t e 3).
M i n i s t r y of L a b o u r (for M i n u t e 3).
M r . J . D. G R E G O R Y , Foreign
M i n u t e 1).
Office (for
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M. P . A . H A N K E Y , G.C.B.,
Mr. G. M. E V A N S , Assistant
Secretary.
Secretary.
Brigadier-General S. H . W I L S O N , C.B., C.M.G., Assistant
Lieutenant-Colonel L. STORR, C.B., Assistant
[955]
Secretary.
Secretary.
4 O
X J
1. W i t h reference to W a r Cabinet 622, Conclusion 4, t h e W a r
Cabinet h a d a full discussion on British policy in t h e Baltic S t a t e s ,
arising out of t h e following t e l e g r a m s : No. £9 from t h e F o r e i g n
Office to Colonel Tallents (Riga), dated t h e 2 3 r d S e p t e m b e r , 1 9 1 9 ;
No. 247 (R) from Mr. Bosancruet (Reval), d a t e d t h e 22nd S e p t e m b e r ,
1 9 1 9 ; No. 248 from Mr. Bosanquet (Reval), d a t e d t h e 23rd
September, 1 9 1 9 ; No. 372/21, 709/699 W . , from M. U l m a n i s ,
P r i m e Minister, and M. Meierovics, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Latvia, d a t e d t h e 21st S e p t e m b e r , 1919 ; No. 131 from Colonel
Tallents (Riga), d a t e d t h e 22nd September, 1919 ; No. 56 (R) from
D e p u t y Commissioner (Reval), d a t e d t h e 21st September, 1919.
These telegrams raise t h e questiou of recognising t h e indepen­
dence of t h e Baltic S t a t e s ; of enforcing t h e evacuation of t h e
G e r m a n s from t h e Baltic P r o v i n c e s ; of t h e furnishing of supplies,
a n d Of providing a loan ; and generally of Allied policy in these
regions.
The A c t i n g Secretary for F o r e i g n Affairs explained t h a t t h e
t e r m s in which t h e Provisional Government of L i t h u a n i a h a d been
recognised as a de facto independent body by t h e Foreign Office
telegram No. 59 of t h e 23rd. September, 1919, to Colonel Tallents
(Riga) were identical w i t h those which Mr. Balfour gave instructions
were to be employed in t h e case of Esthonia a n d Latvia, a n d t h e
W a r Cabinet approved this action.
After a prolonged discussion t h e W a r Cabinet d e c i d e d : —
' T h a t t h e Acting Secretary of S t a t e for Foreign Affairs should
draft, for t h e consideration of t h e Cabinet, a reply from t h e
P r i m e Minister to t h e L a t v i a n G o v e r n m e n t , couched in
friendly a n d cordial terms, b u t based on t h e following
principles :—
(1.) T h e question of t h e independence of Esthonia,
Latvia, and Lithuania m u s t be dealt w i t h a t
t h e Peace Conference, or by t h e League of
Nations, a n d the British G o v e r n m e n t can give
no u n d e r t a k i n g a p a r t from their Allies.
(2.) The Allies are t a k i n g s,teps to enforce t h e
evacuation of t h e Germans from the Baltic
Provinces.
(3.) The British Government cannot u n d e r t a k e to
furnish a n y further military supplies to t h e
Baltic Provinces.
(4.) The British G o v e r n m e n t cannot provide a loan.
(5.) Responsibility
for m a k i n g peace w i t h
the
Bolsheviks must rest with t h e Baltic Provinces
themselves.
The question of a corresponding despatch to t h e other de
S t a t e s on t h e Baltic Sea was left for further consideration.
facto
2. The W a r Cabinet h a d before t h e m a M e m o r a n d u m b y t h e
P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of Education on the question of providing a
n e w site for the H e a d q u a r t e r s of London U n i v e r s i t y a n d for K i n g ' s
College (G.T.-8209).
The question was referred for decision t o a Cabinet Committee,
composed as follows :—
Chancellor of t h e Exchequer,
Secretary of S t a t e for the Colonies,
P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of Education,
President of t h e Board of Trade.
3. The W a r Cabinet discussed t h e t h r e a t e n e d strike on t h e
railways.
. ­
X
WC 623
3
After t h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of T r a d e a n d t h e Minister of
T r a n s p o r t h a d given a full account of t h e circumstances in w h i c h
t h i s crisis h a d arisen, a n d Sir D a v i d Shackleton, on behalf of t h e
Minister of Labour, h a d s t a t e d t h a t a s t r i k e h a d practically been
decided on by the railwaymen, t h e W a r Cabinet considered t h e t e r m s
of a draft reply t o Mr. J. H . Thomas, a n d decided t h a t : —
(1.) The reply to be sent b y t h e Minister of T r a n s p o r t t o t h e
l e t t e r addressed by Mr. J . H . T h o m a s to the P r e s i d e n t of
t h e Board of Trade should be modified so as to bring o u t
t h e point t h a t until t h e 31st December, 1919, t h e
railwaymen would continue to receive both t h e i r p r e s e n t
wage a n d their war wage, a n d t h a t consequently t h e y
would be no worse off t h a n a t present, a n d t h e r e was
ample t i m e for negotiation, which rendered t h e p r e ­
cipitation of an immediate strike indefensible.
(2.) T h a t t h e Ministry of Transport should give full publicity t o
these aspects of t h e question.
(3.) T h a t the re-drafting of t h e proposed reply be left t o t h e
Minister of Transport.
2, Whitehall Gardens, S.W.
September 24, 1919.
1,
o
t
i.
f
..
!
J C j ) I c ; ' \ \ i j (C$ I c r
sjUtfej \y
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
- -
October 1919.
SECRET.
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET
624.
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet, held at 10, Downing Street,
on Thursday,
September 25, 1919, at 11 A.M. -
S.W.1,
Present:
The P E I M E M I N I S T E R (in tjie
The
R i g h t H o n . t h e E a r l C U R Z O N OF
KEDLESTON, K G . , G . C . S . I . , G . C . I . E .
Chair).
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. C H A M B E R L A I N , M . P .
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. B O N A R L A W , M . P .
The following were also present
T h e R i g h t Hon. t h e Viscount M I L N E R ,
G.C.B., G.C.M.G., S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e
for t h e Colonies.
The Right
H o n . W . S. C H U R C H I L L , M . P . ,
S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for W a r .
T h e R i g h t H o n . E . S. S H O R T T , K . C . , M . P . ,
S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for H o m e Affairs.
The R i g h t Hon. C . ADDISON, M.D., M.P.,
Minister of H e a l t h .
The
Right
Hon. W .
LONG,
A d m i r a l Sir R. E . W E M Y S S , G . C . B . ,
C.M.G., M.V.O. F i r s t S e a L o r d (for
M i n u t e 1).
Field-Marshal t h e R i g h t H o n . t h e Viscount
F R E N C H O F Y P R E S , K . P . , O.M., G . C . B . ,
G.C.V.O., K.C.M.G., t h e Lord
t e n a n t of Ireland.
Lieu­
M . P . , Chief S e c r e t a r y for Ireland.
Major-General S i r P . P . de B . R A D C L I F F E ,
K.C.M.G., C . B . , D.S.O., Director of
Military Operations, W a r Office (for
M i n u t e 1).
Mr. D . J . G R E G O R Y , Foreign
Minute L).
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M. P . A. H A N K E Y , G.C.B.,
Office (for
Secretary.
Secretary.
Brigadier-General S. H . W I L S O N , C.B., C.M.G., Assistant
Mr. P E M B R O K E W I C K S , Assistant
[958]
First
Lord of t h e Admiralty.
The R i g h t Hon. J. I. MACPHERSON, K.C.,
T h e R i g h t H o n . H . A. L. F I S H E R , LL.D.,
M.P., P r e s i d e n t
of t h e Board of
Education.
Mr. G. M. E V A N S , Assistant
M.P.,
Secretary.
Secretary.
­
B
15
- ­
Kussia:
The Baltic States.
1. W I T H reference to W a r Cabinet 623 (1), t h e W a r Cabinet
r e s u m e d t h e i r discussion on t h e subject of t h e policy t o be followed
in dealing w i t h t h e Baltic States.
The A c t i n g Secretary of S t a t e for Foreign Affairs read an
appreciation (Appendix I) of t h e situation in t h e Baltic S t a t e s a n d
t h e results which m i g h t be anticipated to ensue from t h e policy
which had been proposed on t h e previous day as affecting—
(a.) The Baltic States themselves.
(b.) General Denekin and t h e other anti-Bolshevist forces in
Russia.
(c.) T h e G e r m a n forces in t h e Baltic States.
(d.) British interests.
fro
4,
Assistance to
General Denekin.
0(4
l
0
The A c t i n g Secretary of S t a t e for Foreign Affairs t h e n read t h e
draft of a telegram, based on t h e principles suggested a t t h e previous
m e e t i n g of t h e Cabinet, which it was proposed to address to t h e
G o v e r n m e n t s of Esthonia, Latvia, a n d Lithuania, a notification on
similar lines being made to F i n l a n d if t h e y applied t o the Foreign
Office for information. The draft telegram contained alternative
sentences dealing with t h e subject of diplomatic representation, t h e
first of which indicated a different a t t i t u d e according as a n y negotia­
tions concluded between t h e Baltic S t a t e s and t h e Bolshevists should
r e s u l t in a n armistice or in a peace which opened up full diplomatic
relations between t h e Baltic S t a t e s and t h e Bolshevists. The second
a l t e r n a t i v e comprised a sentence of a more general character, and t h e
W a r Cabinet felt t h a t this draft was t h e preferable one of t h e two.
After some discussion t h e W a r Cabinet agreed t h a t t h e telegram
should in some form make it clear t h a t , while t h e British Government
w e r e not prepared to give t o t h e Baltic S t a t e s supplies for t h e
purpose of aggressive operations against t h e Bolshevists, t h e y would,
nevertheless, in t h e event of an a t t a c k b y t h e Bolshevist Govern­
ment on t h e freedom and liberties of t h e States, be prepared to
reconsider t h e situation.
After learning from t h e Director of Military Operations t h e
views of t h e General Staff as t o t h e effect which t h e proposed policy,
assuming it resulted in a peace between the-Baltic S t a t e s a n d t h e
Bolshevists, would have on t h e o t h e r anti-Bolshevist fronts, a n d
after considering certain points p u t forward by t h e Secretary of S t a t e
for W a r , which are reproduced in Appendix I I , t h e W a r Cabinet
decided—
(1.) To approve t h e draft t e l e g r a m prepared b y t h e Acting
Secretary of S t a t e for Foreign Affairs, subject to its
being amended in accordance with t h e discussion sum­
marised above. (The telegram as amended is reproduced
'in Appendix I I I . )
(2.) T h a t a copy of the telegram should be sent b y t h e A c t i n g
Secretary of S t a t e for F o r e i g n Affairs to Sir E y r e Crowe,
t h e representative of t h e British G o v e r n m e n t on t h e
Supreme Council in P a r i s , for communication to, and for
t h e information of, t h e representatives of t h e principal
Allied a n d Associated Powers in Paris.
W i t h reference to W a r Cabinet 612 (2) a n d t h e " packet "
authorised for despatch to G e n e r a l Denekin, t h e W a r Cabinet
agreed—
T h a t , in order t o avoid d e m u r r a g e for shipping, t h e Chancellor
of t h e Exchequer should sanction t h e despatch t o General
Denekin of a ship conveying a n advance instalment of t h e stores
comprising t h e " packet," of which t h e Secretary of S t a t e for
W a r undertook to communicate particulars for consideration b y
t h e Cabinet during t h e early p a r t of t h e following week.
3
Situation and
Policy in Ireland.
WC 624
2. The W a r Cabinet h a d before t h e m a m e m o r a n d u m by t h e F i r s t
L j f
A d m i r a l t y (G.T.-8215) on t h e situation in Ireland,
t o g e t h e r with- correspondence between t h e A c t i n g Secretary of t h e
W a r Cabinet a n d t h e Attorney-General (G.T.-8210) showing t h a t
unless legislation was previously enacted t h e G o v e r n m e n t of Ireland
A c t would come into operation on t h e ratification of t h e last of t h e
Peace Treaties which is likely to be t h e T r e a t y of Peace w i t h
Turkey.
The Viceroy and the Chief Secretary verbally expressed complete
a g r e e m e n t w i t h Mr. Long's memorandum.
The Viceroy m a d e a general s t a t e m e n t on t h e seriousness of t h e
situation in Ireland, t h e gist of which is contained in a memorandum
which h e undertook t o circulate (G.T.-8227). T h e Viceroy requested
t h a t certain measures should be t a k e n to s t r e n g t h e n t h e h a n d s of t h e
Irish Administration in connection w i t h t h e following m a t t e r s :—
o r (
Q
t
h
e
(1.) I m p r o v e m e n t of t h e Secret Service.
(2.) E x t e n s i o n of powers of t h e Executive u n d e r Regulation 14 B
of t h e Defence of t h e Realm Act.
(3.) Provision of prison accommodation in E n g l a n d for Irish
prisoners.
(4.) E n c o u r a g e m e n t of t h e Royal Irish Constabulary, particularly
b y an advance by t h e Treasury of 10Z. per m a n pending
a passage of t h e Bill now before Parliament.
(5.) Increase in numbers of t h e G Division of t h e Dublin Metro­
politan Police.
(6.) Increase of t h e establishment of t h e R o y a l Irish Constabu­
lary, particularly in view of t h e approaching reduction of
t h e military forces in Ireland.
(7.) Assistance to discharged soldiers and sailors t h r o u g h t h e
medium of t h e Central Council i n s t i t u t e d in Dublin for
t h a t purpose.
(8.) The passing into law w i t h o u t delay of t h e E d u c a t i o n Bill
a n d L a n d for Soldiers Bill.
T h e Chief Secretary made a s t a t e m e n t supporting t h e measures
advocated by t h e Viceroy (with t h e exception of t h e proposed
extension of powers u n d e r Regulation 14 B) a n d indicated to t h e
Cabinet t h e difficulties in securing t h e administration of justice a n d
t h e punishment of crime in Ireland. H e drew particular a t t e n t i o n
t o t h e importance of announcing, as suggested in Mr. Long's rnemo­
r a n d u m , t h a t t h e Irish G o v e r n m e n t h a d b e h i n d t h e m t h e whole
s u p p o r t of t h e British Government, and t o t h e necessity of m a k i n g
a n early s t a t e m e n t on future policy.
The general t r e n d of t h e
discussion which followed w a s to t h e effect that—­
(1.) I t was impossible simply to repeal t h e Government of
Ireland A c t .
(2.) Steps m u s t be taken to p r e v e n t it from coming automatically
into operation on t h e ratification of peace, since it was
n o t acceptable to any of t h e interests concerned, a n d
some of its provisions, n o t a b l y t h e financial clauses, were
n o longer applicable.
(3.) The m a t t e r m u s t be dealt with in t h e forthcoming Parlia­
m e n t a r y Session, and in view of t h e dangerous situation
in I r e l a n d a n d t h e possibility of an early ratification of
t h e Peace Treaties, legislation m u s t be introduced early
in t h e Session.
With
C a b i n e t on
week, t h e
documents
a view t o a further discussion on t h e subject b y t h e
t h e m o r n i n g of Tuesday or W e d n e s d a y of t h e following
Secretary was instructed t o circulate t h e following
:—
(1.) A m e m o r a n d u m to be h a n d e d in by t h e Viceroy.
(2.) T h e t w o draft Bills for t h e G o v e r n m e n t of I r e l a n d prepared
b y committees u n d e r t h e chairmanship of L o r d Curzon
a n d Mr. L o n g in 1917 and 1918 respectively.
De Valera.
3. The W a r Cabinet h a d before t h e m a l e t t e r from t h e Chief
Secretary to t h e P r i m e Minister (G.T.-7838) on t h e question of t h e
r e t u r n of Mr. de Valera t o Ireland.
T h e W a r Cabinet decided :—
T h a t Mr. de Valera should be p r e v e n t e d from r e t u r n i n g t o
I r e l a n d u n t i l further orders.
The RegistrarGenerals
Department.
4. A question which w a s raised concerning t h e D e p a r t m e n t of
t h e Registrar-General was referred for decision t o t h e Chancellor
E x c h e q u e r a n d the Minister of H e a l t h .
o f
t
h
e
'2, Whitehall
Gardens,
September 25, 1919.
4
WC 624
APPENDIX
I.
A P P R E C I A T I O N B Y A C T I N G S E C R E T A R Y OP S T A T E P O R F O R E I G N
AFFAIRS.
T H E Baltic S t a t e s a t t a c h paramount importance t o t h e satisfaction of two of
their claims: (1) t h e . recognition of their independence
de jure; (2) t h e supply of
material w h e r e w i t h to continue t h e struggle against the Soviet Government. Of these
t w o t h e first plays a predominant rdle.. An u n d e r t a k i n g on t h e p a r t of H i s Majesty's
G o v e r n m e n t to support merely their autonomy in the future settlement of E a s t e r n
E u r o p e will be nothing to t h e m . A n y Russian Government, short of one t h a t is
purely reactionary or Czarist, will concede t h e m autonomy, possibly to t h e full e x t e n t ,
a n d our support will be purely superfluous. Their demand is for independence p u r e
a n d simple. It. is to gain t h i s alone t h a t provides t h e Baltic Governments w i t h a
motive for continuing t h e war against the Bolshevists and for furnishing a stimulus for
their armies.
His - Majesty's Government have now decided t h a t t h e y are not prepared t o
recognise t h e independence of these S t a t e s , and it may therefore be assumed t h a t on
receipt of t h e news t h e l a t t e r will proceed with their negotiations for peace with t h e
Bolshevists.
I n all probability t h e y will be followed at no d i s t a n t date, first hy Finland a n d
t h e n by Poland. The Finnish Government have virtually informed us t h a t , unless we
i n t e r v e n e now b y recognising t h e independence of t h e Baltic S t a t e s , t h e y will consider
t h a t we have disinterested ourselves in a n y action which m a y be t a k e n by Russians
neighbours a n d will adopt a policy of their own. This is a fair inference from t w o
recent notes which have been presented by t h e Finnish M i n i s t e r ; and a further
inference, almost equally fair, is t h a t unless we intervene in t h e sense which t h e y
suggest, t h e Finnish G o v e r n m e n t will themselves enter on peace negotiations w i t h
t h e Bolshevists. This would, indeed, be a n a t u r a l consequence of a peace between t h e
Baltic S t a t e s a n d the Bolshevists, since Finland would t h e n be left isolated before
t h e enemy in t h e north, and, if t h e anti-Boishevist front is once broken, she would
have no particular object in remaining in the war.
Poland has so far given no direct indication t h a t she proposes to m a k e peace w i t h
the Bolshevists, b u t already a fortnight ago t h e Polish Minister stated privately t h a t
h e expected a n y day to receive instructions from his Government to sound D
Majesty's Government as to how t h e y would view such a move. The successful
offensive of t h e Polish forces in t h e E a s t has now reached t h e limits to which Polish
public opinion will allow t h e m to go. and the call to transfer t h e m to t h e defence of
t h e W e s t e r n frontiers a g a i n s t t h e Germans has now become imperative. If t h e
N o r t h e r n S t a t e s make peace, it will clearly be difficult for t h e Polish Government to
defend continued action.
W e m u s t therefore be prepared for t h e collapse of t h e whole anti-Bolshevist front
as far south as t h e U k r a i n e , a n d t h e whole b r u n t of t h e Bolshevist a t t a c k will
therefore fall'on Denekin.
A t t h e ' s a m e time, t h e discontinuance of a front between t h e Baltic S t a t e s and t h e
Soviet forces will facilitate t h e passage of Bolshevists o u t of, and of Germans into,
Russia. A t t h e present m o m e n t British prestige s t a n d s so high in t h e Baltic S t a t e s ,
a n d G e r m a n consequently so low, t h a t t h e Germans find an unfavourable jumping-off
ground in those countries. T h e position will be reversed when it is realised t h a t we
are practically going to abandon t h e m to their fate, a n d i t will not be surprising if,
like t h e F i n n s a n d certain sections of Russians before t h e m , t h e Baltic States t u r n t o
G e r m a n y to help t h e m t o realise t h e aspirations which we have denied them.
O u r a t t i t u d e t o w a r d s these States, however, once t h e y have made peace with t h e
Bolshevists, needs to be defined. I n t h e ordinary way we should presumably break off
diplomatic relations with S t a t e s t h a t m a k e peace w i t h t h e common e n e m y ; a n d we no
doubt should have to do so in this case, if t h e y receive Bolshevist a g e n t s or emissaries,
or if t h e y show any t e n d e n c y , as a consequence, t o g o Bolshevist themselves.
If,
however, they do n o t go so far as this, we have a n interest in accepting w i t h good grace
a situation for which we should be partially responsible, a n d in m i t i g a t i n g t h e
consequences, in so far as t h e y m a y involve t h e surrender of our place t o t h e Germans,
b y m a i n t a i n i n g as cordial relations as we can and obtaining as much as we can out of
t h e changed conditions for British t r a d e and enterprise.
I t must, however, be
remembered t h a t British firms are virtually m a k i n g a declaration b y us t h a t we will
[958]
"
C
recognise t h e independence of t h e s e countries a sine qua non for doing business w i t h
t h e Governments concerned. A declaration in t h e reverse sense will p u t a stop t o
t h e i r proceeding with a n y proposals which t h e y m a y h a v e been inclined to e n t e r t a i n .
I t is, moreover, only fair t o t h e Baltic S t a t e s t h a t we should frankly recognise
t h a t t h e y have no alternative b u t to m a k e peace if we decline to allow t h e m t h e
conditions on which t h e y would be justified in continuing t h e war. W i t h o u t t h e m
t h e only r e w a r d for their m a k i n g a successful offensive against the Soviet G o v e r n m e n t
would be t h e establishment of a P o w e r whose first act would be t o p u t an end t o t h e
independence which was t h e i r motive for fighting. I t would be a form of suicide which
we could h a r d l y expect t h e m t o commit.
W h i l e , therefore, we cannot encourage t h e m to make peace, we should, if t h e y do
so, endeavour t o m a k e t h e best of t h e situation, a n d consolidate our position in those
p a r t s b y such new means as we m a y find a t our disposal.
A final problem arising out of t h e conclusion of peace between t h e Baltic S t a t e s
a n d t h e Bolshevists will be how to extricate t h e Russian forces under General Yudenitch,
a n d for this we shall probably in t h e end be compelled to m a k e ourselves responsible.
APPENDIX
THE
BALTIC
Notes by the Secretary
II.
SITUATION.
of State for
War.
F I V E decisions were arrived a t by t h e Cabinet yesterday a b o u t t h e Baltic S t a t e s —
I . — W e are t o tell t h e m t h a t we will send t h e m no more supplies.
I I . — W e are to tell t h e m t h a t we cannot encourage their hopes of independence.
I I I . — W e are to tell them t h a t we cannot assist t h e m with a loan.
I V . — I n these circumstances we have no r i g h t to press them to continue t h e i r
s t r u g g l e with t h e Bolshevists.
V . - W e are to tell them t h a t we have ordered the G e r m a n s t o leave Courland,
and will t a k e steps to make t h e m do so.
I t is w o r t h n o t i n g t h a t every one of these steps, necessary as some of t h e m are,
helps t h e Bolshevists, with whom on o t h e r p a r t s of t h e front we are a t war. The
following consequences may arise therefrom :—
1. The Baltic S t a t e s m a y m a k e peace with t h e Bolshevists.
2. The N o r t h - W e s t Russian a r m y may, in consequence of such peace, be
annihilated.
3. Finland probably, a n d P o l a n d possibly, may follow t h e example of t h e Baltic
S t a t e s or join with t h e m in making a peace.
4. 97,000 Bolsheviks on these fronts will be liberated, a n d will immediately be
hurled upon t h e armies of General Denekin.
5. T h e effect of a n y of these peace settlements, particularly a peace s e t t l e m e n t b y
F i n l a n d , upon t h e fortunes of t h e North Russians, whom we have left t o
fight it out alone a t A r c h a n g e l a n d M u r m a n s k , will probably be fatal.
6. P e t r o g r a d , whose hopes of deliverance a n d food have been encouraged all t h i s
year by t h e operations of t h e British N a v y , will be reduced t o despair.
7. If the G e r m a n s in Courland do not obey our orders to quit, all t h e R u s s i a n s in
this N o r t h - W e s t e r n region will h a v e no hope but to t u r n to t h e m a n d t r y
to m a k e common cause with them.
8. The death-knell will have been s t r u c k of British influence in these regions, a n d
t h e episode will be, r i g h t l y or wrongly, regarded by Russia as a supreme
act of indifference and a b a n d o n m e n t .
I n these circumstances, t h e final decision which t h e W a r Cabinet h a v e to t a k e is
one of far-reaching importance.
I t would be much simpler, much safer, and, in t h e long run, much cheaper t o
continue to m a k e war upon t h e Bolshevists b y every means in our power (which do n o t
involve t h e employment of British troops or t h e e x p e n d i t u r e of large sums of m o n e y ) ,
w i t h a coherent plan on all fronts a t once, u n t i l such t i m e as either a definite victory is
won, or it is decided to m a k e a general peace in which all parties would be included.
(Signed)
W I N S T O N S. C H U R C H I L L .
September 25, 1919.
a
WC 624
7
A P P E N D I X III.
Cypher
Telegram
to His
Majesty's
Representatives
at Reval
and Kovno (No. 1).
(No. 157), Riga
(No. 66),
(Urgent.)
Foreign Office, September 25, 1919, 9 V.M.
T H E numerous requests for assistance in different forms a n d for a definite
declaration of policy t h a t are continually addressed to H i s Majesty's Government on
behalf of t h e Baltic S t a t e s have required t h e former t o reconsider t h e question in its
broadest aspect. I t now appears t h a t none of t h e S t a t e s concerned wishes or intends
to act separately, and t h a t concerted action is in contemplation. Indeed, a Conference
h a s been summoned for t h e purpose on t h e 29th S e p t e m b e r , a t which t h e replies to t h e
overtures of t h e Soviet G o v e r n m e n t will be d u l y considered.
H i s Majesty's G o v e r n m e n t have no r i g h t t o anticipate w h a t t h e decision of t h e
Conference may be. I t will doubtless be arrived a t from a consideration of t h e future
interests of t h e States as a whole as well as of t h e preservation of t h e liberties of t h e
individual S t a t e s , who, with t h e aid of t h e Allies, have fought so bravely for t h e i r
freedom. This has in each case been successfully achieved, and it remains to be decided
b y w h a t means it may be most effectively safeguarded in t h e futui-e.
H i s Majesty's Government have already recognised the autonomous existence of
t h e G o v e r n m e n t s of t h e Baltic S t a t e s a n d h a v e dealt with t h e m as such. T h e question
of t h e de jure recognition of t h e independence of t h e S t a t e s is one which it is
impossible for t h e m to decide upon their own responsibility or in severance from their
Allies. The Peace Conference alone or t h e League of Nations, s i t t i n g in sequel to t h e
Peace Conference, can arrive a t a definite decision on a m a t t e r in which interests more
comprehensive t h a n those of any individual S t a t e or community are concerned.
In
a n y such decision His Majesty's Government may be relied upon to e x e r t such influence
as t h e y may possess to secure t h e satisfaction of t h e legitimate aspirations of Esthonia
(Latvia) (Lithuania), so far as m a y be consistent w i t h a final a n d peaceful s e t t l e m e n t in
N o r t h - E a s t Europe.
The principal menace by which this s e t t l e m e n t is now t h r e a t e n e d and delayed is
t h e presence of German forces under General von der Goltz. The r e t i r e m e n t of these
forces is t h e first condition of t h e achieved liberation of t h e S t a t e s . Marshal Foch,
a c t i n g on behalf of t h e Allies, has already requested t h e G e r m a n Government, t h r o u g h
t h e Armistice Commission, to order t h e i r immediate withdrawal, and in view of t h e
failure of t h e G e r m a n authorities to comply with this request, steps are now being
t a k e n t o apply definite measures of coercion, by which t h e speedy evacuation of t h e s e
territories may be secured.
H i s Majesty's G o v e r n m e n t are asked w h e t h e r t h e y can continue t o supply military
material a n d stores to t h e S t a t e s whom t h e y have assisted in t h e i r s t r u g g l e for freedom.
The reduction of t h e available stocks of material consequent upon t h e termination of t h e
w a r a n d t h e shortage of shipping u n f o r t u n a t e l y render it impossible to continue these
contributions, which h a v e h i t h e r t o fallen almost exclusively upon G r e a t Britain. This
decision is arrived at w i t h o u t prejudice to a n y action t h a t m a y be t a k e n by any o t h e r
of t h e Allied Powers or by t h e Powers acting in P a r i s as a whole.
N e i t h e r is this decision intended t o imply a n y a b a n d o n m e n t of t h e S t a t e s in t h e
e v e n t of their boundaries being crossed a n d t h e i r existence imperilled by an invasion of
Bolshevist forces. I n such a case, w h e r e t h e national liberties of E s t h o n i a (Latvia)
( L i t h u a n i a ) would be a t stake, H i s Majesty's G o v e r n m e n t m i g h t be p r e p a r e d to m a k e
t h e sacrifices, which are n o t justified b y p r e s e n t conditions, and to reconsider their
decision as to t h e supply of war material.
Similarly, as r e g a r d s t h e provision of credit, it is impossible for H i s Majesty's
G o v e r n m e n t to assume a t this stage a financial responsibility which t h e y have h i t h e r t o
been unable to accept. W h i l e t h e y have exerted themselves to aid t h e S t a t e s in t h e
provision of loans from independent quarters, t h e y cannot, in view of t h e grave financial
s t r a i t s in which t h e entire world is placed, d e p a r t from t h e a t t i t u d e in t h i s respect,
which t h e y have consistently assumed.
I n t h e s e circumstances H i s Majesty's G o v e r n m e n t feel t h a t t h e y are not entitled to
exercise a n y pressure upon t h e free initiative of t h e Baltic S t a t e s and t h a t their
G o v e r n m e n t s m u s t be a t liberty to decide upon such action as m a y be most conducive
"to t h e preservation of their own national existence. I t is for t h e m t o determine w i t h
u n f e t t e r e d j u d g m e n t w h e t h e r t h e y should m a k e a n y a r r a n g e m e n t , and, if so, of w h a t
n a t u r e , w i t h t h e Soviet authorities ; a n d if, as seems to be in contemplation, t h e y
decide to act in unison, t h e effective control of t h e situation should be within their
power. H i s Majesty's G o v e r n m e n t will not cease t o use their influence, both in t h e
councils of t h e Allies a n d t h r o u g h their diplomatic representatives in t h e S t a t e s , to
assist in t h e preservation of their liberties a n d in t h e t a s k of their economic and
commercial reorganisation.
You should m a k e a communication in t h e above sense t o t h e E s t h o n i a n (Latvian)
(Lithuanian) Government.
Addressed to Reval (No. 157), Riga, and Kovno.
R e p e a t e d to Astoria (No. 1179), Helsingfors (No. 646), and W a r s a w (No. 288).
-
-
-
-
Printed -for the War
-
Cabinet.
-
-
—
September
IS
1919.
SECRET.
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET
625.
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet, held at 10, Downing
Friday, September 26, 1919, at 10*30 A.M.
Street, S.W.,
on
Present:
The P R I M E M I N I S T E R (in the
The Right
1
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. B O N A R L A W , M . P .
Hon. t h e
Earl
KEDLESTON, K . G . , G . C . S . I . ,
T h e R i g h t Hon. A. C H A M B E R L A I N , M . P .
T h e R i g h t Hon. G. N . B A R N E S , M . P .
Chair)
CTJRZON OE
G.C.I.E.
T h e R i g h t Hon. Sir E . G E D D E S , G . C . B . ,
G.B.E., M.P.
.
T h e following w ere also p r e s e n t :
T h e R i g h t H o n . E . S. SHORTT, K G ,
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir A. C. G E D D E S , K . C . B . ,
M . P . , P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of Trade.
M.P.,
Secretary of S t a t e for H o m e Affairs.
K.C.,
The Right Hon. G . H . ROBERTS, M . P . ,
Food Controller.
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir R H Y S W I L L I A M S ,
K.C.,
D.S.O.,
M.P.,
Parliamentary
Secretary, Ministry of Transport.
Sir W . F . M A R W O O D , K.C.B., J o i n t P e r m a n e n t Secretary, Board of T r a d e .
T h e R i g h t Hon. Sir R. S. H O R N E ,
K . B . E . , Minister of Labour.
Sir H E R B E R T W A L K E R , K . C . B . , C h a i r m a n ,
Sir D . J . SHACKLETON, K.C.B., Secretary,
Ministry of Labour.
Sir R . F . DTJNNELL, K.C.B.,
Ministry of Transport.
Railway E x e c u t i v e Committee.
Secretary,
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M. P . A / H A N K E Y , G.C.B.,
Mr. G. M. E V A N S , Assistant
Secretary.
Mr. P E M B R O K E W I C K S , Assistant
[970]
Secretary.
Secretary.
T H E W a r Cabinet b a d before them draft heads of a reply to
t h e r a i l w a y m e n (see A p p e n d i x ) .
Concessions to
Anomalous Grades.
1. T h e W a r C a b i n e t considered t h e possibility of i n t r o d u c i n g a
p a r a g r a p h to show t h a t the G o v e r n m e n t were p r e p a r e d to go further
t h a n t h e r i g i d application of t h e principle of 100 per cent, increase
in t h e s t a n d a r d r a t e of wages in anomalous cases. After some
discussion it was a g r e e d to adopt t h e following form of words :—
" I n fixing t h e new s t a n d a r d rates t h e basis h a s been
r o u g h l y an average addition of 100 p e r cent., a n d t h e Govern­
m e n t will not act on r i g i d lines, a n d will i n the future, as in the
past, b e ready to consider a n d discuss anomalies a n d cases of
h a r d s h i p to a n y p a r t i c u l a r grades i n t h e application of the
p e r c e n t a g e of increase to be m a d e . "
Fluctuation in
War Wage
corresponding
with Cost of
Living.
2. A proposal was m a d e t h a t , in view of t h e u n c e r t a i n t y of the
u p w a r d or d o w n w a r d fluctuation of prices, an offer should b e m a d e
to c o n t i n u e the p r e s e n t a g r e e m e n t u n t i l prices h a d been further
stabilised. Three variants of t h i s proposal were discussed :—­
(1.) T h a t the existing a r r a n g e m e n t of pre-war w a g e p l u s war
wage should b e definitely continued u n t i l n e x t J u n e ,
w h e n t h e whole question would be reconsidered.
(2.) T h a t the rates should not b e lowered u n t i l the price of
living h a d fallen from 115 p e r cent, above p r e - w a r level
to say 110 per cent., a n d had r e m a i n e d t h e r e for at least
t h r e e months.
(3.) T h a t an u n d e r t a k i n g should b e given not to b r i n g down
the w a r wages u n t i l t h e cost of living h a d fallen to a
s u b s t a n t i a l extent, viz., to 100 per cent, above t h e p r e ­
war level as c o m p a r e d with the h i g h e s t point reached,
viz., 125 per cent., a n d the p r e s e n t level of 115 per cent,
above t h e pre-war prices.
I t w a s p o i n t e d out in respect of t h e first proposal t h a t Mr.
Bromley would p r o b a b l y r e p r e s e n t t h a t t h e -Locomotive Drivers'
Union would be prejudiced b y s u c h an agreement, o w i n g to the fact
t h a t t h e y were entitled by t h e c u r r e n t railway a g r e e m e n t to apply
for t h e reconsideration of t h e s t a n d a r d rates after t h e 31st December,
a n d were now formulating a n e w p r o g r a m m e for t h a t p u r p o s e .
I t w a s also s u g g e s t e d t h a t the whole question of fluctuation i n
w a g e s to correspond with c h a n g e s in t h e cost of l i v i n g should be
referred to the C o u r t of A r b i t r a t i o n , w h i c h h a d b e e n specially set
u p for t h i s p u r p o s e , a n d t h a t were a settlement m a d e with t h e
Railway C o m p a n i e s based on a rise or fall in the cost of living, t h e
Court would find themselves b o u n d b y it i n their dealings w i t h
other i n d u s t r i e s .
T h e second proposal was adopted.
I t was generally agreed t h a t in the event of a rise in prices a n
increase of the war w a g e would have to be m a d e , b u t it w a s pointed
out t h a t a n increase i n t h e cost of living to 125 p e r cent, was t h e
s t a n d a r d u p o n which t h e w a r wage h a d been fixed, a n d that a
c o r r e s p o n d i n g rise in wages could not b e claimed u n l e s s t h e cost of
l i v i n g rose above 125 p e r cent.
Suggested Increase
of Minimum Wage,
3 . T h e Cabinet further considered w h e t h e r it was possible to
raise t h e m i n i m u m w a g e of railway workers from 40s. to 45s., on t h e
u n d e r s t a n d i n g t h a t t h e last 5s. should be t a k e n off w h e n t h e cost of
l i v i n g fell.
A l a r g e n u m b e r of objections were r a i s e d against
this—
(a.) I t
would seriously r e d u c e the difference between t h e
m i n i m u m w a g e a n d t h e wages of t h e h i g h e r g r a d e s
which would discourage the desire for promotion, a n d
the proposal could h a r d l y be adopted w i t h o u t r e a d j u s t i n g
t h e l a d d e r r i g h t t h r o u g h the various grades.
(6.) I t would cost 9 or 10 millions.
(c.) As in t h e case of t h e 12 p e r cent, increase, it would react
r i g h t t h r o u g h all trades, i n c l u d i n g possibly t h e N a v y
and Army.
On t h e whole it was felt t h a t the b a l a n c e of a r g u m e n t was
against t h e proposal, a n d t h a t it should n o t be m a d e in t h e first
instance. If proposed b y the railwaymen i t would be considered.
T h e Cabinet decided t h a t :—
A reply should be m a d e to t h e r a i l w a y m e n on t h e lines laid
down above, a n d t h a t the P r i m e Minister, Mr. Bonar Law,
t h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of T r a d e , the Minister of
T r a n s p o r t , the Minister of Labour, and Sir F r a n c i s D u n n e l l
should forthwith p r e p a r e a statement to be m a d e to t h e
railwaymen by the P r i m e Minister.
Decisions of
Drafting Comm i t t e e
T h e r e m a i n i n g Ministers h a v i n g withdrawn, t h e P r i m e Minister
r e a d the draft of a statement w h i c h had been p r e p a r e d earlier in
t h e day by the P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of T r a d e a n d the Minister of
Labour.
Subject to certain corrections, this suggestion was adopted as t h e
basis of t h e P r i m e Minister's statement.
I t was further agreed t h a t t h e r e a d i n g of this statement should
b e followed by a statement of the concessions already agreed to and
t h e h e a d s of t h e reply referred to above, which were a m e n d e d b y
certain textual alterations a n d the deletion of p a r a g r a p h 4.
T h e statement as finally approved is contained in t h e steno­
g r a p h i c notes of the s u b s e q u e n t conference.
2, Whitehall Gardens, S.W.
September 26, 1919.
1,
[p.T.O.
APPENDIX.
RAILWAY
Proposed
Heads of a Reply
STRIKE.
to the Railwaymen
and of the Official Statement
to the Press in case of a Strike.
to be issued
1. T H E n e w s t a n d a r d wage p r o p o s e d is equal to a n a v e r a g e of at leaBt 100 p e r
cent, over t h e p r e - w a r w a g e , a n d g u a r a n t e e s to every adult railway worker, irrespective
of any fall in t h e cost of living a p e r m a n e n t m i n i m u m of 40s. p e r week. T h i s figure
of 40s. compares w i t h a n average of 1.8s. to 20s. p e r week before t h e war.
2. I n addition, t h e extra p a y m e n t s for S u n d a y duty, n i g h t duty, a n d overtime
a g r e e d to are e q u a l on t h e average to a n o t h e r 20 p e r cent, on t h e p r e - w a r w a g e .
3. I n addition to these money wages t h e h o u r s of labour h a v e been r e d u c e d to
eight.
4. T h i s increase, on t h e a v e r a g e of 120 p e r cent., t o g e t h e r w i t h a g u a r a n t e e
m i n i m u m of 40s., irrespective of t h e w a r w a g e a n d increased e a r n i n g s for overtime, & c ,
is p u t forward as w h a t we hope to be t h e p e r m a n e n t railway w a g e to r e m a i n ,
irrespective of a n y possible fall in the cost of living.
5. I n any event t h e issue does not arise till t h e 31st December, as until t h e n n o
m a n will receive less t h a n his p r e s e n t a g g r e g a t e earnings, a n d d u r i n g t h a t time t h e r e
is time for negotiations, w h i c h the G o v e r n m e n t are willing to continue.
6. I n addition to t h i s s t a n d a r d increase t h e r e is no q u e s t i o n of r e d u c i n g t h e
p r e s e n t total w a g e at t h e 31st December, if the cost of living should be t h e same as a t
present, and as long as t h i s h i g h cost continues t h e m e n will receive t h e full a g g r e g a t e
w a g e s they obtain n o w . F u r t h e r , t h e G o v e r n m e n t are willing to u n d e r t a k e t h a t n o
r e d u c t i o n will be m a d e i n t h e w a r wage u n t i l t h e r e is a fall in t h e cost of living to t h e
extent of
p e r cent.
2, Whitehall
Gardens, S.W. I ,
September 26, 1919.
o
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
-
October 1919.
21
SECRET.
-1
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET 626.
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet held at 10, Downing
on Friday, September 26, 1919, at 4*30 P.M.
Street,
S.W.,
Present :
The P R I M E M I N I S T E R (in the Chair).
The R i g h t Hon. A. B O N A R L A W , M . P .
The Right
Hon. The Earl
CTJRZON
The Right Hon. G . N . BARNES, M . P .
OF
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir E . G E D D E S , G . C . B . ,
KEDLESTON, K . G . , G . C . S . I . , G . C . I . E .
G.B.E., M . P .
The R i g h t Hon. A. C H A M B E R L A I N , M . P .
T h e following were also p r e s e n t :
The R i g h t H o n . W . LONG, M . P . , F i r s t
L o r d of t h e A d m i r a l t y (for Minutes 1-7).
T h e R i g h t H o n . W . S. C H U R C H I L L , M . P . ,
S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for W a r (for Minutes
1-7).
F i e l d - M a r s h a l E a r l H A I G , K . T . , G.C.B.,
O.M., G.C.V.O., K . C . I . E . , Commander­
in-Chief, H o m e Forces (for Minutes 1 - 7 ) .
Major-General
Sir
C.
H.
HARINGTON,
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir A . C. G E D D E S , K G B.,
M . P . , President of t h e Board of Trade
(for Minutes 1 - 7 ) .
'
T h e R i g h t H o n . E . S. S H O R T T , K . C . , M . P . ,
S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for H o m e Affairs (for
Minutes 1 - 7 ) .
T h e R i g h t H o n . t h e Lord I N V E R F O R T H ,
Minister of Munitions (for Minutes 1 - 7 ) .
K.C.B., D.S.O., D e p u t y Chief of t h e
Imperial General Staff (for M i n u t e s 1-7).
Sir W . F . M A R W O O D , K . C . B . , J o i n t Secre­
L i e u t . - G e n e r a l Sir G. M. W . M A C D O N A G H ,
L i e u t . - C o l o n e l Sir R H Y S W I L L I A M S , K . C . ,
K.C.M.G., C.B., A d j u t a n t - G e n e r a l t o t h e
Forces (for Minutes 1 - 7 ) .
Lieut.-General
Sir
TRAVERS - CLARKE,
K.C.M.G., C.B., Q u a r t e r m a s t e r - G e n e r a l
t o t h e Forces (for M i n u t e s 1 - 7 ) .
Brigadier-General R. J . Ross, C.B., C.M.G.,
G e n e r a l H e a d q u a r t e r s , H o m e Forces
(for Minutes 1 - 7 ) .
The R i g h t H o n . S i r R . S. H O R N E , K . B . E . ,
K . C . , M . P . , Minister of Labour.
Sir D . J . SHACKLETON, K . C . B . , Secretary,
M i n i s t r y of L a b o u r (for M i n u t e s 1 - 7 ) .
The
Right
Hon.
G.
H.
ROBERTS,
M.P.,
F o o d Controller (for M i n u t e s 1 - 7 ) .
t a r y , Board of T r a d e (for Minutes 1 - 7 ) .
i
D . S . O . , M . P . , P a r l i a m e n t a r y Secretary,
M i n i s t r y of Transport (Minutes 1 - 7 ) .
Sir
R.
F.
DUNNELL,
Sir
PERCY
BATES,
Bart.,
Ministry
of
Captain C. E . P E N N Y , Ministry of Food
(for M i n u t e s 1 - 7 ) .
Sir H E R B E T W A L K E R , K.C.B.,
Railway Executive
Minutes 1 - 7 ) .
Chairman,
Committee
(for
Mr. T. LODGE, Ministry of Shipping (for
Minutes 1 - 7 ) .
Secretary.
Secretary.
Lieutenant-Colonel L . STORR, C.B., Assistant
[980]
Secretary,
Shipping (for Minutes 1 - 7 ) .
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M. P . A . H A N K E Y , G.C.B.,
Mr. G. M. E V A N S , Assistant
K.C.B.,
M i n i s t r y of Transport (for Minutes 1 - 7 ) .
Secretary.
The Strike.
General Direction
of the Government
Measures.
1. T h e P r i m e Minister gave the W a r Cabinet an account of t h e
negotiations w i t h t h e National Union of Railwaymen, w h i c h h a d
resulted in a b r e a k d o w n , w i t h t h e consequence t h a t a railway s t r i k e
on an u n p r e c e d e n t e d scale would commence at m i d n i g h t . T h e WarCabinet t h e n proceeded to consider the m e a s u r e s necessary to cope
w i t h the situation.
2. T h e W a r Cabinet decided :—
T h a t a special Cabinet Committee, composed as follows:—
T h e Minister of T r a n s p o r t (in the Chair),
T h e Secretary of State for H o m e Affairs,
T h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of T r a d e ,
T h e Minister of Food,
T h e F i r s t Lord of t h e Admiralty,
T h e Secretary of State for W a r (with representatives
of the General Staff and Home F o r c e s as r e q u i r e d ) ,
T h e Minister of S h i p p i n g (cr his representative),
T h e Minister of Labour,
Lieutenant-Colonel L. S t o r r l
Secretaries,
Mr. G . M. E v a n s
j
should be set u p at once to take c h a r g e of the Govern­
m e n t ' s a r r a n g e m e n t s for m e e t i n g t h e strike.
Strike Funds.
3. T h e question of. p l a c i n g an e m b a r g o on the strike funds was
r e m i t t e d to the Cabinet Committee.
Food Stocks and
Distribution.
4. T h e Minister of Food stated t h a t t h e stocks of the p r i n c i p a l
foods i n dealers' h a n d s amounted to from two to four weeks' supply.
H e gave an outline of the a r r a n g e m e n t s t h a t h a d been m a d e for t h e
distribution of food, more particularly milk, m a r g a r i n e , and yeast.
T h e g e n e r a l question of stocks a n d d i s t r i b u t i o n of food was
remitted to t h e Cabinet Committee.
bi T h e F i r s t L o r d of t h e A d m i r a l t y stated t h a t h i s D e p a r t m e n t
was s t u d y i n g the practicability of u s i n g naval craft on t h e canals
for p u r p o s e s of food distribution.
Unemployment
Pay.
6. T h e W a r Cabinet briefly considered t h e question of t h e
issue of u n e m p l o y m e n t p a y d u r i n g t h e strike. T h e Minister of
L a b o u r undertook to go a t once into t h e question and to m a k e
recommendations.
-
Maintenance of
Order.
. 7. T h e only place where some doubt w a s expressed as to t h e
m a i n t e n a n c e of order was Liverpool, w h e r e t h e police force is
below s t r e n g t h , and contains m a n y newly enlisted m e n .
T h e F i r s t L o r d of t h e A d m i r a l t y stated that, h e was informed
t h a t the presence of t h e destroyer in the Mersey h a d h a d a
considerable moral- effect in Liverpool. H e u n d e r t o o k to examine
t h e feasibility of k e e p i n g a l a r g e r w a r s h i p on the river for s u c h
t i m e as m i g h t be necessary.
T h e Field-Marshal c o m m a n d i n g t h e H o m e Forces r e p o r t e d
t h a t h e h a d p l e n t y of troops in this, country, b u t their mobility h a d
been diminished by, a recent decision of the W a r Cabinet t h a t
military t r a n s p o r t should b e released for sale in t h e open m a r k e t .
T h e Q u a r t e r m a s t e r - G e n e r a l r e p o r t e d t h a t l a r g e n u m b e r s of
motor lorries were still in F r a n c e , a n d t h a t instructions h a d b e e n
WC 626 "
3
issued to b r i n g over as m a n y of these as possible b y means of t h e
t r a i n ferries.
T h e question of m a i n t e n a n c e of order w a s r e m i t t e d to t h e
C a b i n e t Committee for consideration.
Export of Coal.
8. T h e P r e s i d e n t of the Board of T r a d e r e p o r t e d t h a t he h a d a t
once issued orders to stop all export of coal a n d to r e t a i n all coaP
n o w at the ports for b u n k e r p u r p o s e s .
Statement for
the Press.
9. After t h e w i t h d r a w a l of t h e m e m b e r s of the n e w Cabinet
C o m m i t t e e for t h e purpose of h o l d i n g an i m m e d i a t e meeting, t h e
W a r Cabinet conferred with t h e Ministry of L a b o u r as to the t e r m s
of a n a n n o u n c e m e n t to the press which Sir R o b e r t H o m e h a d
drafted for their consideration.
T h e r e was considerable discussion as to t h e form which t h e
a n n o u n c e m e n t should take.
Sir Robert H o r n e ' s draft was p r e p a r e d in the form of a p r e s s
interview with t h e Minister of Labour, in w h i c h t h e whole of t h e
G o v e r n m e n t case was stated at some length.
T h e suggestion was m a d e that, in addition to t h e interview, a
shorter statement should be p u b l i s h e d , g i v i n g a brief s u m m a r y of
t h e points at issue and d r a w i n g attention to t h e d a s t a r d l y n a t u r e of
t h i s s u d d e n strike, not a g a i n s t persons who were notoriously m a k i n g
excessive profits, b u t against the Government, w h i c h w a s actually
losing money on the m a i n t e n a n c e of the railways.
T h e W a r Cabinet decided t h a t —
(1.) Subject to certain a m e n d m e n t s , the s t a t e m e n t for t h e
public press in t h e form of a n interview w i t h t h e Minister
of Labour should be p u b l i s h e d a n d t h a t Sir R o b e r t
B o r n e should give it the widest possible publicity.
(2.) On the following day the P r i m e Minister should s e n d a
short and crisp telegram, to be r e a d at the p u b l i c
m e e t i n g in W a l e s w h i c h he h a d not been able to a t t e n d ,
drawing attention to t h e character of t h e p r e s e n t s t r i k e
a n d to the fact t h a t t h e r a i l w a y m e n h a d placed t h e
nation in this very serious p r e d i c a m e n t after the Govern­
ment h a d offered to give consideration to t h e case of a n y
g r a d e of railwaymen for w h i c h it could b e shown t h a t
h a r d s h i p s or anomalies of any k i n d w e r e imposed b y t h e
new s t a n d a r d rates.
2, Whitehall Gardens, 8.W.
September 25, 1 9 l 9 .
1,
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
October 19.19.
SECRET.
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET
1-
627.
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet, held at 10, Douming
Friday, October 3, 1919, at 10-30 A.M.
Street, S.W., on
Present :
The P R I M E M I N I S T E R (in the
Chair).
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir E . G E D D E S , G . C . B . ,
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. B O N A R L A W , M . P .
G.B.E.,
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. C H A M B E R L A I N , M . P .
M.P.
T h e R i g h t Hon. G . N . B A R N E S , M.P.
The following were also p r e s e n t :
T h e R i g h t H o n . t h e Viscount M I L N E R ,
G.C.B., G.C.M.G., Secretary of S t a t e
for t h e Colonies.
T h e R i g h t H o n . W . S. C H U R C H I L L , M . P . ,
Secretary of S t a t e for W a r .
The Right
Hon.'E.
S. MONTAGU, M.P.,
Secretary of S t a t e for India.
T h e R i g h t Hon. C. ADDISON, M.D., M.P.,
Minister of H e a l t h .
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir J . M A C LAY, Bart.,
Shipping Controller.
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir L. W O R T H I N G T O N E V A N S , Bart., M . P . , Minister of Pensions.
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir R. S. H O R N E , K . B . E . ,
K.C., M.P., Minister of Labour.
The
Right
H o n . G. H . R O B E R T S ,
M.P.,
Food Controller.
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir G. H E W ART, K.C.,
M.P., Attorney-General.
The R i g h t Hon. W . LONG, M.P., F i r s t
Lord of t h e Admiralty.
T h e R i g h t Hon. E. S. SHORTT, K.C., M . P . ,
Secretary of S t a t e for H o m e Affairs.
T h e R i g h t H o n . Lord B I R K E N H E A D , L o r d
H i g h Chancellor.
T h e R i g h t Hon. Sir A. C. G E D D E S , K.C.B.,
M.P., President of
t h e B o a r d of
Trade.
T h e R i g h t Hon. H. A. L. F I S H E R , L L . D . ,
M . P . , P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board
of
Education.
T h e R i g h t Hon. t h e L o r d L E E of F A R E H A M ,
G.B.E., K.C.B., P r e s i d e n t of t h e B o a r d
of Agriculture.
The
Right
Hon. Lord
Minister of Munitions.
INVERPORTH,
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir A. M O N D , Bart, M . P . ,
F i r s t Commissioner of W o r k s .
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. H . I L L I N G W O R T H ,
M. P., Postmaster-General.
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M. P . A . H A N K E Y , G.C.B.,
Mr. T H O M A S J O N E S , Assistant
Secretary.
Lieutenant-Colonel L. STORR, C.B., Assistant
[1042]
Secretary.
Secretary.
B
The Railway
Strike.
.:
1. T h e P r i m e Minister said he h a d summoned a full m e e t i n g
f Ministers owing to t h e gravity of t h e present situation.
After
t h a n k i n g t h e Minister of Transport, t h e Minister of Food, a n d t h e
other Ministers who were organising t h e counter-measures for t h e i r
successful services, which h a d surprised both t h e country a n d t h e
strikers, he g a v e a brief summary of t h e course of events from t h e
intervention of t h e Transport W o r k e r s ' Federation on t h e 1st October
t o t h e note h a n d e d to t h e m on t h e previous day, which t h e P r i m e
Minister r e a d t o his colleagues. (For details a n d t e x t of note see
Appendix.) A t t h e request of t h e D e p u t a t i o n , which h a d been
acting as intermediaries, this note had not been published, which
seemed t o indicate t h a t the D e p u t a t i o n was still seeking for
conciliation, although t h e railwaymen h a d rejected t h e G o v e r n m e n t s
offer.
The P r i m e Minister invited t h e views of his colleagues on t h e
general situation, and in t h e course of his s t a t e m e n t a n d in t h e
subsequent discussion he raised more particularly t h e following
questions :—
Q
(o.) T h e expediency of summoning P a r l i a m e n t in t h e event of
t h e r e being no extension of t h e strike beyond t h e
railwaymen.
(6.) T h e expediency of summoning P a r l i a m e n t in the event of
a general strike,
(c.) T h e s t a g e at which an announcement should be m a d e t h a t
t h e positions of men remaining on strike would not be
g u a r a n t e e d after a certain date.
(d.) W h e t h e r , and when, an announcement should be made
g u a r a n t e e i n g their positions a n d promotion t o men who
b a d remained loyal or had come to t h e help of t h e
State.
(e.) P r o p a g a n d a in order to combat t h e distorted versions of t h e
facts which were being circulated.
.- (/.) A n appeal to Mayors a n d Chairmen of County Councils t o
u n d e r t a k e local organisation and publicity.
The W a r Cabinet t h e n heard s t a t e m e n t s regarding various
aspects of t h e anti-strike organisation by t h e Minister of Transport,
t h e Minister of Food, t h e H o m e Secretary, t h e Minister of Labour,
a n d t h e P o s t m a s t e r - G e n e r a l . These were on t h e whole of a satis­
factory character" although certain points emerged for further
consideration.
Special Constables.
Ml
Proposed Special
Appeal to
Railwaymen.
2. A suggestion was strongly pressed t h a t some action should be
t a k e n t o increase t h e n u m b e r and improve t h e organisation of Special
Constables.
The W a r Cabinet S t r i k e C o m m i t t e e was asked to t a k e t h i s
question up a t once.
- 3. A suggestion addressed t o t h e P r i m e Minister from Liverpool
was considered, namely, t h a t t h e G o v e r n m e n t should issue a special
appeal t o railwaymen and giye t h e m a t i m e limit t o resume work.
I t was pointed out t h a t this m a t t e r was being watched b y a S u b Committee.
T h e W a r Cabinet adopted t h e view of t h e W a r Cabinet
S t r i k e C o m m i t t e e t h a t a n y action of t h e n a t u r e s u g g e s t e d
should be postponed until t h e a t t i t u d e of t h e Trades U n i o n
D e p u t a t i o n was cleared up.
WC 627
3
Proposed
Alteration of
Pre-war Basic
Bate.
4. W i t h a view to a prevention of t h e spread of t h e strike w i t h
its incalculable consequences, the suggestion was m a d e t h a t , as t h e
wages of t h e lower grades of railwaymen h a d been inadequate before
t h e war, a proposal made by Mr. Whitley a n d Mr. S e e b o h m B o w n t r e e
"should be considered, namely, t h a t a n announcement should be m a d e
t h a t t h e G o v e r n m e n t were prepared to t a k e u p a r e a d j u s t m e n t of
t h e basic r a t e as a s t a r t i n g point, a n d t h a t if t h i s vague s t a t e m e n t
did not satisfy t h e men t h e following explanation should be given t o
t h e negotiators, b u t not for publication.
" I will give t h e assurance t h a t t h e special consideration
promised to t h e men of particular g r a d e s is to be t a k e n t o m e a n
t h a t in any s e t t l e m e n t no adult whole-time worker in t h e lowest
g r a d e shall receive less a t any t i m e t h a n t h e equivalent of 25s.
a week reckoned a t pre-war prices."
A n u m b e r of objections were urged against this proposal. I t
would be a d e p a r t u r e from t h e policy steadily adhered to by t h e
G o v e r n m e n t t h a t t h e y could not continue negotiations u n t i l t h e men­
r e t u r n e d t o work. The Government offer was in fact a t least as
good. The proposal would be difficult to explain, and would probably
be interpreted t h a t t h e minimum of 40s. had been lowered t o 25s.
a n d would generally muddle t h e public.
The W a r Cabinet'generally endorsed t h e policy h i t h e r t o pursued
by t h e G o v e r n m e n t in declining t o continue negotiations
u n t i l t h e railwaymen returned t o work and left t h e above
proposal for consideration, if and when t h e r i g h t m o m e n t
should come, by t h e Prime Minister in conference w i t h t h e
Ministers mainly concerned.
Propaganda.
5- I t h e course of t h e above discussion the general view was
expressed t h a t even further steps m u s t b e t a k e n to m a k e t h e Govern­
m e n t ' s offer plain and clear to the public by posters, advertisements,
leaflets, &c.
The W a r Cabinet invited the Minister of Pensions to associate'
himself w i t h t h e Minister of Labour in t h e organisation of
propaganda.
Extension of
Period of
Guaranteed Wage.
6. I n r e g a r d t o a suggestion b y Mr. Barnes t h a t t h e period
during w h b h w a g e s were guaranteed against reduction m i g h t be
e x t e n d e d beyond t h e 31st March, 1920, t h e W a r Cabinet agreed
that—
n
The question was one which m i g h t be referred to arbitration.
The Summoning
of Parliament
7. There was a short discussion as to t h e desirability of sum­
moning P a r l i a m e n t .
T h e general view was t h a t P a r l i a m e n t should be summoned only
in t h e e v e n t of t h e extension of t h e strike t o t h e whole of
organised labour.
The S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for India wished his dissent from this,
view to be recorded.
The Ministers present endorsed t h e policy h i t h e r t o p u r s u e d by
t h e P r i m e Minister a n d those most closely associated with him in
dealing w i t h t h e situation, a n d expressed their complete confidence
in t h e policy arid t h e i r desire t h a t t h e P r i m e Minister should feel h e
h a d a perfectly free h a n d in conducting t h e G o v e r n m e n t s case.
2, Whitehall Gardens, S.W.
October 3, 1919.
[1042]
1,
APPENDIX.
E A R L Y yesterday afternoon, t h e 1st October, t h e P r i m e Minister received a
r e q u e s t from t h e Transport W o r k e r s ' Federation t o receive a D e p u t a t i o n . This h e
agreed to do.
A t 3 P.M. t h e D e p u t a t i o n was introduced by Mr. Gosling. H e explained t h a t t h e
Transport W o r k e r s Federation w e r e so closely concerned with t h e R a i l w a y S t r i k e , a n d
were receiving so m a n y d e m a n d s from their members for action t h a t t h e E x e c u t i v e h a d
felt it incumbent on t h e m to consider t h e question. T h e y h a d decided to call in t h e
Conference r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s of o t h e r trades unions in t h e same position as themselves,
a n d t h e r e s u l t of t h a t Conference was t h e present representative D e p u t a t i o n which
included besides Mr. Gosling himself, such prominent t r a d e s unionists as :—
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
A r t h u r Henderson.
Clynes.
R o b e r t Williams.
Bevin.
0'Grady.
Muir.
Brownlie.
N a y lor.
A. Bo wen.
Walker.
Mr. Gosling first addressed t h e P r i m e Minister and he was followed b y Mr. Clynes,
Mr. A r t h u r Henderson, Mr. Brownlie, and Mr. Bevin.
T h e y explained t h a t t h e y h a d heard the views of Mr. Thomas a n d Mr. Bromley,
and t h e y h a d agreed t h a t it h a d been established t h a t a real t r a d e s unions s t r u g g l e
was going on which affected t h e m all. They emphasised t h a t t h e y did n o t wish t o
discuss merits, a n d explained t h a t t h e object of t h e Deputation was to t r y a n d ascertain
w h e t h e r some means could n o t be found of securing a resumption of n e g o t i a t i o n s ;
otherwise i t would be very difficult for t h e t r a d e s unions affected by t h e dispute to
s t a n d by w i t h o u t t a k i n g action.
The a t t i t u d e of some of t h e speakers was n o t w i t h o u t menace. Mr. Clynes, for
example, said frankly t h a t those t h e y represented t h o u g h t t h a t t h i s was a challenge to
t r a d e unionism t h a t t h e y m u s t t a k e up. Mr. Brownlie quoted a member of his union
as s a y i n g : " If ever t h e r e was a n issue on which we should fight, it is h e r e . "
Mr. Bevin said t h a t in a j o u r n e y d u r i n g t h e week-end t h r o u g h South W a l e s a n d t h e
Midlands he had everywhere been urged to call out his union. Mr. H e n d e r s o n m a d e
t h e notable r e m a r k t h a t it w a s realised t h a t t h e G o v e r n m e n t were b e t t e r s i t u a t e d to
m e e t a s t r i k e t h a n t h e y had ever been before, since t h e war machine could be p u t in
operation against t h e men a n d could be used to smash t h e t r a d e s unions a n d to drain
t h e i r funds. H e pointed out, however, t h a t if this occurred t h e G o v e r n m e n t would
only be a t t h e beginning of t h e i r trouble. Broadly speaking, however, t h e spirit of t h e
D e p u t a t i o n , if firm, was conciliatory. All speakers dwelt on t h e g r a v i t y of t h e situa­
tion which would be created by a continuance of t h e strike.
T h e P r i m e Minister in his reply did not u n d e r r a t e t h e g r a v i t y of t h e situation,
and d w e l t a t some l e n g t h on t h i s aspect of t h e question, which had led him to m a k e
every possible efibrt to a v e r t a strike. As t h e D e p u t a t i o n a d m i t t e d h a v i n g h e a r d t h e
case of Mr. Thomas a n d Mr. Bromley, t h e P r i m e Minister felt it his d u t y t o give t h e m
a s u m m a r y of t h e proceedings from t h e point of view of t h e Government, in t h e course
of which h e dwelt on t h e various phases w i t h which t h e W a r Cabinet are familiar, a n d
emphasised t h e suddenness of t h e strike, t h e refusal t o g r a n t a few d a y s e x t r a for
discussion when he d e m a n d e d it, a n d t h e entire absence of good-will. These a n d o t h e r
incidents which he referred to, such as t h e comment of t h e railwaymen on h e a r i n g t h e
G o v e r n m e n f s proposals t h a t ' t h e time for discussion was over," h a d b r o u g h t it home
t o him t h a t he was n o t dealing with men who desired to settle. This entirely justified
t h e allusion in one of his public s t a t e m e n t s to t h e s t r i k e as " p a r t of an anarchist
plot," whiclfone of t h e speakers h a d resented. H e a d h e r e d entirely t o t h i s s t a t e m e n t .
The P r i m e M i n i s t e r s s t a t e m e n t m a d e a v e r y g r e a t impression on t h e D e p u t a t i o n ,
who, in spite of t h e i r desire t o avoid merits, p u t one question after another elucidating
p o i n t after point. I t was clear t h a t t h e y h a d n o t in t h e least understood t h e
G o v e r n m e n f s case, a n d t h e i r whole a t t i t u d e became more friendly a n d conciliatory.
:
WC 627
5
After several a t t e m p t s h a d been m a d e t o induce t h e G o v e r n m e n t to re-open
negotiations w i t h t h e railwaymen,. which t h e P r i m e Minister met by the s t a t e m e n t
t h a t t h e men must r e t u r n to work as an indispensable preliminary condition,
Mr. Gosling p u t a definite question w h e t h e r t h e P r i m e Minister would be willing t o
see t h e other side w i t h a view t o re-opening negotiations.
Before answering this question t h e P r i m e Minister felt it r i g h t t h a t h e should
consult his colleagues, and after an adjournment for this consultation, he gave t h e
following considered reply, which was a t once published : —
" If I am asked to see t h e Executive of t h e N a t i o n a l Union of R a i l w a y m e n
my answer is, t h a t I shall be ready t o m e e t t h e m and h e a r w h a t t h e y have to
say, but you will, I am sure, agree w i t h me t h a t t h e r e is nothing to be gained
by any ambiguity, more especially as t h e r e has been a good deal of misunder­
standing already.
" I want, therefore, to m a k e it quite clear t h a t in t h e opinion of t h e
G o v e r n m e n t it would be quite impracticable to continue negotiations until work
is resumed.
A p a r t from other considerations t h e Ministers who would be
concerned in t h e negotiations could n o t possibly a t t e m p t to deal with t h e
questions involved while t h e i r whole energy is devoted, as it m u s t necessarily
be, to improvising means of c a r r y i n g on t h e life of t h e nation."
The D e p u t a t i o n t h e n retired shortly before 7 pan. By this t i m e t h e desire of t h e
D e p u t a t i o n t o bring about a s e t t l e m e n t h a d become v e r y strongly marked.
A t 8'45 p.m. t h e y r e t u r n e d w i t h t h e executive of t h e National Union of
Railwaymen.
A prolonged conference then took place, t h e P r i m e Minister being accompanied
b y Mr. Bonar Law.
Mr. Thomas, who spoke on behalf of t h e railwaymen, was obviously labouring u n d e r
considerable emotion and suffering from g r e a t fatigue. I n a long preliminary s t a t e m e n t ,
in t h e course of which he spoke of t h e solidarity of his men a n d t h e success of t h e Strike,
t h e only concrete otfer was t h a t he would order t h e S t r i k e off if t h e Government would,
in t h e question of s t a n d a r d i s a t i o n , apply the same principle t h a t t h e Government h a d
applied in t h e case of t h e drivers and firemen. If he a t t e m p t e d to order t h e S t r i k e off
on a n y t h i n g less t h e men, he said, would accuse their E x e c u t i v e oi ' selling them."
The P r i m e Minister, in reply t o this, said a t once t h a t he did not t h i n k t h a t
Mr. Thomas's observations had advanced t h e m a t t e r one step. I t left t h e position
exactly where it was. I n view of Mr. Thomas's remarks, he pointed out how t h e
facilities a t t h e disposal of t h e G o v e r n m e n t were increasing every day and t h e country
was becoming less paralysed. Each d a y t h e trains r u n n i n g exceeded, t h e forecast.
He
indignantly repudiated t h e s t a t e m e n t by Mr. Thomas t h a t some of his colleagues h a d
been less anxious for a s e t t l e m e n t t h a n he. lie elaborated t h e point t h a t , while t h e
S t r i k e continued, t h e Ministers mostly concerned m u s t p u t all t h e i r energies into t h e
work of feeding t h e country, including t h e 600,000 railwaymen, with their wives a n d
families, therefore t h e first essential step in t h e resumption of negotiations is t h a t t h e
railwaymen should go back to work. " Because you cannot let the country starve
whilst Ministers a n d railwaymen are discussing w h a t wages will be paid n e x t y e a r . "
From t h i s point on t h e conference consisted mainly in incessant a t t e m p t s by
Mr. Thomas to bring it to t h e stage of negotiations which were repulsed by t h e P r i m e
Minister. These proceedings do not lend themselves to s u m m a r y , more particularly as
a large p a r t of t h e m consisted in disputes as to what h a d occurred a t t h e previous
conferences, w i t h frequent references t o t h e s h o r t h a n d notes of those conferences. Once
or twice it looked as if t h e conversations m u s t be broken off, b u t Mr. Thomas kept
r e v e r t i n g to t h e folio wing sentence in the P r i m e M i n i s t e r s opening s t a t e m e n t : " W e
deny there is a n y difference in t h e principle applied," which, he said, offered a r a y of
hope. On each occasion this phi-ase was quoted to t r y a n d draw the P r i m e Minister
again into " negotiations," b u t w i t h o u t success.
Towards t h e end Mr. Gosling intervened again, and suggested t h a t t h e
representatives of the various t r a d e unions should be left to discuss the m a t t e r
together. This was agreed to, and t h e conference adjourned a t 9"40 P.M. A t about
11 "30 P.M. Mr. Gosling's D e p u t a t i o n , leaving t h e railwaymen in t h e Cabinet room,
waited on t h e P r i m e Minister in a n adjoining room. I n t h e course of a long a n d
somewhat r a m b l i n g s t a t e m e n t Mr. Gosling m a d e t h e proposal t h a t an a t t e m p t should
be m a d e to establish w h a t t h e principle was on which t h e locomotive men's wages h a d
b e e n fixed. If t h e r e was no difference of opinion as to w h a t principle had been adopted,
:
t h e m a t t e r should be referred to t h e arbitration of some independent body.' W h e n t h e
principle bad been established i t should be applied t o t h e whole of t h e remaining
grades.
The P r i m e Minister pointed out t h a t this would inevitably lead t o misunderstanding.
The men would go back t o work u n d e r t h e belief t h a t t h e principle claimed b y
Mr. Thomas w a s to be applied to their cases, a n d if Mr. Thomas's principle was upset
t h e y would say t h e y h a d been sold and t h e trouble would begin all over again. There
was no more reason for a d o p t i n g Mr. Thomas's formula in t h i s way as a basis t h a n t h e
G o v e r n m e n t s formula.
After a long discussion of detail, t h e following e x t r a c t s from Minutes of a m e e t i n g
w h e n t h e locomotive's men's wages were u n d e r discussion was p r o d u c e d : —
" Sir Robert Home : T h e proper question from m y point of view is : A r e you
going or are you n o t going to use w h a t is done in t h e case of t h e driver, t h e cleaner,
and t h e firemen as a guide as t o w h a t is to be done in t h e other g r a d e s ?
" Mr. J. H. Thomas : I a m prepared t o deal w i t h t h e other grades on the
merits of t h e case as I will deal w i t h these, a n d I am able to say I believe a n
equal!v formidable case with regard to those grades as I hope to show with t h i s
one." "
The D e p u t a t i o n were considerably impressed by this s t a t e m e n t , and Mr. A r t h u r
H e n d e r s o n took a copy to show t o Mr. Thomas.
After rejoining t h e railwaymen for a short time Mr. Gosling r e t u r n e d to say t h a t
t h e y felt t h e y could g e t no further t h a t night, and t h a t t h e y would like to resume t h e
discussion in t h e morning. The m e e t i n g adjourned a t 12"40 A.M.
Soon after noon to-day (3rd October) Mr. Gosling's Deputation, which had already
h a d a meeting with t h e railwaymen, again m e t t h e P r i m e Minister a n d Mr. Bonar Law.
T h e y h a d two proposals t o m a k e ; first, t h a t t h e Government should raise t h e minimum
wage from 40s. to 50s., a n d second, t h a t t h e r e should be no change in t h e r a t e s of
wages before t h e 31st December, 1921.
The Prime Miuister could n o t accede to t h e raising of t h e minimum, for, as h e
pointed out, where t h e r a t e s of p a y of t h e different grades are separated by such small
amounts, it is impossible t o raise t h e m i n i m u m w i t h o u t raising all t h e other g r a d e s
proportionately, otherwise t h e ladder of promotion is interfered w i t h ; moreover, t h i s
was really dragging t h e G o v e r n m e n t into negotiation before t h e essential condition of
t h e men r e t u r n i n g to work was fulfilled.
Mr. H e n d e r s o n r a t h e r r e s e n t e d this rejection of t h e first proposal, and suggested
t h a t it w a s b a n g i n g t h e door in t h e face of t h e Deputation. Mr. Williams, however,
intervened at this point a n d strongly suggested t h a t t h e offer of t h e Deputation was
n o t their last word. I n fact, t h e r e was a chorus against suggesting t h a t t h e last word
h a d been uttered. Mr. Williams t h e n w e n t on to suggest t h a t t h e essential point
really was to obtain an extension of t h e time d u r i n g which t h e present r a t e s of wages
were to be paid.
o
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
October 1919.
SECRET.
49
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET
628.
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet held at 10, Downing
on Tuesday, October 7, 1919, at 4 P.M.
Street,
S.W.,
Present :
T h e P R I M E M I N I S T E R (in the
T h e R i g h t H o n . A . BONAR L A W , M . P .
Chair).
The R i g h t Hon. G. N . B A R N E S , M . P .
The R i g h t Hon. A. CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.
T h e following were also present
T h e R i g h t H o n . E . S. SHORTT, K . C . , M . P . ,
Secretary of S t a t e for H o m e Affairs (for
Conclusions 1-4).
T h e R i g h t H o n . W . S. C H U R C H I L L , M . P . ,
S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for W a r (for Conelusions 4 t o end).
Major-General
Sir P . P . de B. R A D C L I F P E ,
T h e R i g h t H o n . Lord B I R K E N H E A D , t h e
L o r d Chancellor.
T h e R i g h t H o n . t h e Viscount M I L N E R ,
G . C . B . , G . C . M . G . , S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e
for t h e Colonies.
The R i g h t
H o n . E . S. M O N T A G U ,
M.P.,
Secretary of S t a t e for India.
K . C . M . G . , C.B., D.S.O., Director of
Military Operations (for Conclusions
5, 6).
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir A. C. G E D D E S , K . C . B . ,
M . P . , P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of Trade.
The Right Hon. W . S / L O N G , M.P., First
Lord of t h e Admiralty.
T h e R i g h t H o n . H . A. L. F I S H E R , L L . D . ,
M . P . , P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of E d u c a tion.
The Right Hon. J . I. MACPHERSON, M . P . ,
T h e R i g h t H o n . C. A D D I S O N , M . D . , M . P . ,
Chief S e c r e t a r y for I r e l a n d (for ConcluMinister of H e a l t h .
sions 1-4).
The Right Hon. the Lord H A R D I N G E OP
PENSHTJRST,
KG.,
G.C.B.,
G.C.S.I.,
The R i g h t
Hon. G . H .
ROBERTS,
G . C . M . G . , G.C.I.E., G.C.V.O., I.S.O.,
P e r m a n e n t U n d e r - S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for
F o r e i g n Affairs (for Conclusion 5).
M r . D . J . GREGORY, Foreign
Conclusion 5).
Office. (for
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M . P . A. H A N K E Y , G.C.B.,
Mr. T . J O N E S , Assistant
Secretary.
Secretary.
Captain L. F . B U R G I S , Assistant
Secretary.
Brigadier-General S. H . W I L S O N , C.B., C.M.G., Assistant
M r . P . W I C K S , Assistant
[1072]
M.P.,
Food Controller (for Conclusions 1-3).
Secretary.
Secretary.
The international
Labour Conference
at Washington.
1. T h e W a r Cabinet h a d before t h e m Memoranda b y Mr. B a r n e s
( P a p e r s G . T . - 7 9 9 8 a n d G.T.-8222) on t h e subject of t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l
L a b o u r Conference a t W a s h i n g t o n .
After Mr. Barnes has given his s u m m a r y of t h e recent
negotiations a n d proceedings a t P a r i s and A m s t e r d a m in regard t o
t h e proposed Conference, t h e position of n e u t r a l s and G e r m a n s a n d
A u s t r i a n s , t h e W a r Cabinet a g r e e d —
T h a t a British Mission should leave for W a s h i n g t o n as proposed
by Mr. Barnes.
Composition of
Delegation.
2. As r e g a r d s t h e composition of the British Delegation, as set
forth in Mr. Barnes' Memorandum (Paper G.T.-8222), t h e r e w a s
considerable criticism of t h e employers' selection, and a n impression
t h a t t h e m a t t e r had not been considered sufficiently seriously. T h e
opinion was expressed t h a t t h e persons selected would n o t adequately
p r e s e n t t h e case of t h e g r e a t British industrial organisations, a n d
t h a t failure t o do t h i s m i g h t subsequently lead t h e employers of t h i s
country t o refuse to accept t h e recommendations of t h e Conference.
T h e weakness of the Employers' Delegation was contrasted w i t h t h e
s t r e n g t h and representative character of t h e Labour Delegation.
The W a r Cabinet decided t h a t —
Mr. Barnes should arrange with t h e Minister of Labour for
a further consideration of t h e list, w i t h a view t o
s t r e n g t h e n i n g t h e representation of employers.
Instructions to
Delegates.
3. W i t h reference to t h e instructions to be given t o t h e official
British D e l e g a t e s on specific questions, like hours, unemployment, & c ,
t h e W a r Cabinet decided :—
To adjourn t h e discussion of this m a t t e r u n t i l t h e Minister of
L a b o u r could be present.
The Secretary was instructed to raise t h e question on t h e n e x t
occasion on which Sir R o b e r t H o m e was available.
Situation and policy
in Ireland.
4. W i t h reference t o W a r Cabinet 624, M i n u t e 2, t h e W a r C a b i n e t
ad
f
t h e m a M e m o r a n d u m by Mr. Long (Paper G . T . - 8 2 1 5 ) ,
a joint Memorandum by Lord French a n d Mr. Macpherson on t h e
subject of t h e situation a n d policy in I r e l a n d (Paper G . T . - 8 2 1 7 ) ,
a n d t h e following draft Bills t h a t have from time to t i m e been
d r a w n u p b y t h e following Cabinet Committees :—
h
b e
o r e
L o r d Curzon's Committee, M a y 1917 : Draft of a Bill for t h e
Government of Ireland ( P a p e r G.T.-8238).
Mr. L o n g s Committee, J u n e 1918 : Draft of a Bill for a F e d e r a l
S y s t e m for t h e U n i t e d K i n g d o m ( P a p e r G.T.-8239).
Mr. Long's Committee, A u g u s t 1918 : Draft of a Bill for t h e
Government of Ireland (Paper G.T.-8240).
I t was realised t h a t , a t an early stage in the P a r l i a m e n t a r y
Session, some declaration of policy b y t h e G o v e r n m e n t would be
expected.
O n e view was t h a t t h e circumstances were wholly
unfavourable t o any s e t t l e m e n t in Ireland a t t h e present time ; t h a t
in existing conditions it would be a m i s t a k e t o adopt a n y policy—
t h a t would be bound to fail—merely in response t o popular c l a m o u r ;
a n d t h a t , in consequence, t h e only feasible plan a t t h e present t i m e
was,frankly t o announce t h a t t h e time-was not ripe for a s e t t l e m e n t ,
a n d t o introduce legislation for t h e postponement of t h e operation of
t h e H o m e R u l e Act, 1914.
A g a i n s t this view it was urged t h a t t h e r e would be no
recrudescence of s t e a d y a n d sane opinion in Ireland u n t i l a H o m e
R u l e A c t w a s passed a n d p u t in operation,; a n d t h a t t h e best of t h e
WC 628
3
Nationalists in Ireland always urged t h a t a Bill ought t o be.forced
upon t h e m , and t h a t , if this w a s done, t h e y would be prepared to
work it.
T h e W a r Cabinet decided t h a t —
(a.) A Cabinet Committee, composed of—
Mr. Long
(Chairman),
Lord F r e n c h
"1 ex
­
Mr. MacphersonJ
Mr. Fisher,
Lord Birkenhead,
Mr. S h o r t t ,
Sir Auckland Geddes,
Sir Robert Horne,
Mr. Roberts,
Sir L. W o r t h i n g t o n E v a n s ,
Sir Gordon H e w a r t ,
Mr. Kellaway,
Mr. Philip K e r r
1
Joint
Captain L. F . Burgis J
Secretaries,
TV/T T\/T i.
r omeio,
M
should examine and report on t h e probable effect on
Ireland, on G r e a t Britain, and on opinion abroad of each
of t h e possible alternative Irish policies, a n d should
advise t h e Cabinet as t o t h e policy t h e y recommend for
adoption.
(b.) The Committee should particularly consider :—
(1.) W h a t would happen in t h e event of a H o m e Rule Bill
being passed a n d p u t into operation—
(i.) If t h e Irish people refused t o touch it.
(ii.) If a sufficient number of moderate Nationalists
were prepared to accept it a n d form a
Parliament.
(hi.) If t h e Sinn F e i n P a r t y accepted t h e Irish
P a r l i a m e n t set up u n d e r t h e proposed A c t ,
a n d used it in every possible w a y to t h w a r t
t h e British Government.
(2.) The financial position of Ireland in relation t o G r e a t
Britain, particularly in r e g a r d t o t h e collection of
Customs duties, Irish indebtedness on account of t h e
L a n d P u r c h a s e Act, and t h e Irish contribution to
t h e cost of t h e W a r . .
(3.) T h e effects of a further p o s t p o n e m e n t of t h e H o m e
R u l e Act, 1914. .
(4.) W h e t h e r , in t h e e v e n t of t h e H o m e Rule Scheme being
decided on, power should be given to H i s Majesty,
b y Order in Council, to postpone t h e operation of
t h e n e w Scheme b y a resolution of b o t h H o u s e s of
Parliament.
(c.) T h e C o m m i t t e e should be free to consider a general F e d e r a l
Scheme for t h e U n i t e d Kingdom.
(d.) T h e Committee, having explored t h e possibilities, should
present t h e i r recommendations in t h e form of a D r a f t
Bill,
(e.) T h e introduction of t h e proposed E d u c a t i o n Bill for I r e l a n d
should be postponed pending t h e decision of t h e Govern­
inentfs policy in r e g a r d to a H o m e R u l e Bill.
The W a r Cabinet i n s t r u c t e d —
The S e c r e t a r y t o circulate certain M e m o r a n d a by Mr. L o n g a n d
Mr. Chamberlain on t h e application of a F e d e r a l Scheme t o
t h e U n i t e d K i n g d o m ( P a p e r s G . T . - 4 4 8 6 and G.-212).,
T h e W a r Cabinet further decided—To sanction certain measures for which t h e Viceroy h a d r e q u e s t e d
approval a t t h e m e e t i n g of t h e W a r Cabinet held on t h e
2 5 t h S e p t e m b e r ( W a r Cabinet 624, M i n u t e 2), viz. : ­
(1.) I m p r o v e m e n t of t h e Secret Service.
(2.) Provision of prison accommodation in E n g l a n d for
Irish prisoners.
(3.) E n c o u r a g e m e n t of t h e Royal Irish Constabulary,
particularly b y a n advance b y t h e T r e a s u r y of 101.
per man p e n d i n g a passage of t h e Bill now before
Parliament.
(4.) Increase in n u m b e r s of t h e G Division of t h e Dublin
Metropolitan Police.
(5.) Increase of t h e establishment of t h e Royal Irish
Constabulary, particularly in view of t h e approaching
reduction of t h e military forces in Ireland.
(6.) Assistance t o discharged soldiers and sailors t h r o u g h
t h e medium of t h e Central Council i n s t i t u t e d in
Dublin for t h a t purpose.
(7.) The passing into law w i t h o u t delay of t h e L a n d for
Soldiers Bill.
Eussia:
Assistance to
General Denikin.
5. W i t h reference to W a r Cabinet 622, M i n u t e 4, a n d W a r
Cabinet 624, Minute 1, t h e W a r Cabinet h a d before t h e m a
Memorandum by t h e Secretary of S t a t e for W a r m a k i n g proposals
as t o t h e final contribution to General Denikin ( P a p e r G . T . - 8 2 2 4 ) .
After hearing a s t a t e m e n t on t h e existing situation in Russia
b y t h e Secretary of S t a t e for W a r , in t h e course of which h e read
a note b y t h e Chief of t h e Imperial General Staff, t h e W a r Cabinet
decided—.
To approve t h e proposals of t h e Secretary of S t a t e for War,,
involving, a p a r t from surplus non-marketable supplies, a
future e x p e n d i t u r e for w i n d i n g u p our obligations in Russia
n o t exceeding 3,000,000Z., s u b j e c t ' t o t h e general condition
t h a t t h e W a r Office should supply General Denikin from
existing stocks w i t h o u t replacement, a n d should confine
purchases within t h e narrowest possible limits.
T h e W a r Cabinet took n o t e t h a t t h e Secretary of S t a t e for
W a r proposed t o notify General Denikin t h a t a t e r m
would be fixed to t h e e m p l o y m e n t of t h e officers a n d other
r a n k s who h a d volunteered for service w i t h t h e British
Mission in S o u t h Russia.
,
Military Officers
assisting in the
Organisation of the
Citizen Guard.
6. W i t h reference t o W a r Cabinet 627, M i n u t e 2, t h e S e c r e t a r y
of S t a t e for H o m e Affairs raised t h e question of t h e recall of t h e
military officers who h a d been sent t o assist t h e local authorities in
organising a Citizen Guard, and t h e inadvisability of doing a n y t h i n g
which would give t h e impression t h a t t h e G o v e r n m e n t were
organising a Citizen G u a r d as a m i l i t a r y organisation.
T h e W a r Cabinet decided ­
4
/53 &
T h a t t h e H o m e Office should recall t h e military officers sent
d u r i n g t h e strike to assist t h e local authorities.
T h e W a r Cabinet took n o t e t h a t t h e S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for
H o m e Affairs intended to submit, for their consideration,
t h e instructions which it was proposed to issue to t h e local
authorities in connection w i t h t h e registration of men
willing to serve in emergency in a Citizen Guard.
2, Whitehall Gardens. S.W.
October 7, 1919.
1,
o
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] ^
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
October
1919,
SECRET.
* MB
WAR
Minutes
CABINET
629.
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet, held at 10, Downing
Thursday,
October 9, 1919, at 12 noon.
Street, S.W., on
Present:
The R i g h t H o n . A. B O N A R L A W , M . P . (in the
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. C H A M B E R L A I N , M.P.
Chair).
I T h e R i g h t Hon. G. N . B A R N E S , M . P .
T h e following were also p r e s e n t :
The R i g h t H o n . t h e Viscount M I L N E R ,
G . C . B . , G . C . M . G . , Secretary of S t a t e
for t h e Colonies.
The R i g h t H o n . W . LONG, M . P . , F i r s t
Lord of t h e Admiralty.
The R i g h t Hon. Sir J . M A C L A Y , Bart.,
Shipping Controller (for Minute 2).
Captain
ALAN
HOTHAM,
C.M.G.,
R.N.,
Director, T r a d e Division, A d m i r a l t y (for
M i n u t e 2).
The R i g h t Hon. W . S. CHURCHILL, M . P . ,
S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for W a r (for Minutes
2 t o end).
Major-General t h e R i g h t Hon. J . E . B.
S E E L Y , C.B., C.M.G., D . S . O . , M . P . ,
U n d e r - S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for Air (for
M i n u t e s 5-7).
Air M a r s h a l Sir H . M. T R E N C H A R D , G.B.E.,
K . C . B . , D.S.O., Chief of t h e Air Staff
(for M i n u t e s 5 - 7 ) .
Major-General
E.
L.
ELLINGTON,
C.B.,
C.M.G., Director-General of Aircraft
Production a n d Research (for M i n u t e 6).
The R i g h t H o n . Sir A. C. G E D D E S , K.C.B.,
M.P., President, Board of Trade.
Lieutenant-Colonel D . FORSTER, C.B.E.,
D.S.O., General Staff, W a r Office (for
M i n u t e 2).
The
Right
Hon. Lord
INVERPORTH,
Minister of Munitions (for M i n u t e 3).
Major-General
T h e R i g h t H o n . R. M U N R O , K . C . , M . P . ,
S e c r e t a r y for Scotland (for M i n u t e 8).
The R i g h t H o n . Sir L. W O R T H I N G T O N E V A N S , Bart., M.P., Minister of Pensions
(for M i n u t e 7).
Sir
P.
A.
M.
of
Lieutenant-Colonel G. L. P E P Y S , D.S.O.,
I n d i a Office (for Minutes 2 - 5 ) .
Mr. S T A N L E Y B A L D W I N , M . P . ,
Financial
Secretary,
Treasury
M i n u t e s 6, 7).
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M. P . A. H A N K E Y , G.C.B., Secretary.
Captain L. F . B U R G I S , Assistant
Secretary.
Secretary.
Brigadier-General S. H . W I L S O N , C.B., C.M.G., Assistant
Lieutenant-Colonel L . STORR, C.B., Assistant
Secretary.
[1082]
NASH,
K.C.M.G., C.B., Director-General
T r a n s p o r t a t i o n (for M i n u t e 2).
Joint
(for
Leakage of
Information.
1. T h e W a r Cabinet h a d a short discussion as to t h e leakage in
t h e press of information in connection w i t h t h e a p p o i n t m e n t of a
Cabinet Committee in regard to Ireland.
The S e c r e t a r y reported t h a t t h e Cabinet M i n u t e s had n o t beeu
reproduced on t h e evening of t h e Cabinet m e e t i n g held on Tuesday,
t h e 7th October, and had in fact not been circulated u n t i l 4 3 0 P.M.
oh t h e following day, whereas t h e information in question had
appeared in. some of t h e m o r n i n g newspapers and in t h e early
editions of t h e evening papers on W e d n e s d a y . This indicated t h a t
t h e press had perhaps obtained their information, either directly or
indirectly, from someone who h a d been present a t t h e meeting.
Mr. Barnes s t a t e d t h a t , on leaving t h e meeting of t h e Cabinet
when t h e question was discussed, a pressman h a d asked him who
would be t h e C h a i r m a n of t h e new Cabinet Committee on Ireland.
The further consideration of this question was adjourned.
-
Imperial Sea
Communications.
c
2. The W a r Cabinet had before t h e m t h e following Memoranda
on t h e question of Imperial Sea Communications :—
M e m o r a n d u m by t h e Secretary of S t a t e for t h e Colonies, with
a covering note b y t h e Secretary (Paper G . T . - 8 0 6 9 ) .
N o t e by Sir E r i c Geddes w i t h reference to G . T . - 8 0 6 9
( P a p e r G.T.-8087).
M e m o r a n d u m by t h e A d m i r a l t y ( P a p e r G . T . - 8 1 7 5 ) .
The Chancellor of t h e Exchequer, t h e F i r s t L o r d of t h e
A d m i r a l t y , and r e p r e s e n t a t i v e of t h e Minister of Transport h a v i n g
agreed not t o press t h e demands of t h e i r respective D e p a r t m e n t s to
have separate representation on t h e proposed Committee, t h e W a r
Cabinet decided—­
(a.) To approve t h e Terms of Reference of t h e Committee
as proposed in L o r d Milner's M e m o r a n d u m (Paper
G.T.-8069) ;
(6.) To approve t h e C o m m i t t e e b e i n g composed, as proposed by
Lord Milner, of eight official members, nominated by
t h e Colonial Office, I n d i a Office, Board of Trade, a n d t h e
five Dominions, a n d of five unofficial members.
The question was raised as to w h e t h e r it was constitutionally
correct for t h e India Office t o n o m i n a t e a representative, and
w h e t h e r I n d i a should n o m i n a t e a r e p r e s e n t a t i v e in exactly t h e
same way as one of t h e self-governing Dominions.
The W a r Cabinet took note of t h i s proposal, which was n o t
pressed.
The question was raised as t o who should be C h a i r m a n of t h e
proposed Committee, and it was agreed t h a t either Sir A l b e r t
S t a n l e y or Mr. Mackinder, whose names are suggested, would be
suitable for the post.
The W a r Cabinet decided—
To leave t h e selection of t h e Chairman to t h e Secretary of S t a t e
for t h e Colonies, t h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of Trade, and
t h e Shipping Controller.
Munitions Plant
for Australia.
3. T h e W a r Cabinet h a d before t h e m a M e m o r a n d u m by t h e
Secretary of S t a t e , for t h e Colonies ( P a p e r G . T . - 8 2 0 2 ) , on t h e
provision of a munitions p l a n t for Australia, a n d decided—
T h a t t h e Imperial G o v e r n m e n t should agree to place a t t h e
disposal of t h e Australian G o v e r n m e n t munitions p l a n t of
t h e fair disposal value of 300,000Z., less 50 p e r cent.
(
3
Circulation of
Papers to the
Prime Ministers of
the Dominions.
WC 629
4. The W a r Cabinet had before t h e m a N o t e b y t h e Secretary
( P a p e r G.T.-7773) asking for instructions in connection w i t h t h e
circulation of W a r Cabinet papers a n d e x t r a c t s from W a r Cabinet
Minutes to t h e Prime Ministers of t h e Dominions.
I t was agreed t h a t t h e circulation of t h e documents in question
w a s consistent with t h e general policy agreed upon as regards
k e e p i n g t h e Dominion P r i m e Ministers informed on all m a t t e r s of
Imperial interest, and it was decided t h a t —
All Cabinet papers dealing with subjects of Imperial interest,
such as would be p u t on t h e a g e n d a for t h e Imperial W a r
Cabinet if in session, should be sent to t h e Dominion
Prime Ministers ; and, further, t h a t t h e y should likewise be
sent extracts from t h e W a r Cabinet M i n u t e s dealing w i t h
the papers in question. .
Proposed Estab- **
lishment of an
Aerial Boute from
Cairo to Karachi.
5. The W a r Cabinet had u n d e r consideration a memorandum by
t h e Secretary of S t a t e for W a r a n d Air (Paper G.T.-8104) on t h e
proposed establishment of an aerial route from Cairo to Karachi.
T h e Chancellor of t h e E x c h e q u e r h a v i n g expressed his assent—
The W a r Cabinet approved t h e proposals of t h e S e c r e t a r y of
S t a t e for W a r a n d Air, subject t o t h e following
conditions :—
(a.) T h a t the I n d i a n G o v e r n m e n t agree t o defray t h e cost
of t h e K a r a c h i station, and also bear a share of t h e
expenses of t h e Persian Gulf station, t h e exact
amount of her contribution being fixed b y t h e I n d i a
Office a n d Air Ministry, subject t o t h e concurrence
of t h e Treasury.
(b.) T h a t no e x p e n d i t u r e can be incurred, w i t h o u t further
reference to t h e W a r Cabinet, in any sphere n o t
under assured British control.
Purchase and
Construction of
Eigid Airships by
the United States
Government.
6. The W a r Cabinet had before t h e m a l e t t e r from t h e Secretary
to t h e Admiralty to t h e S e c r e t a r y to t h e W a r Cabinet ( P a p e r
G.T.-8234) covering certain correspondence r e g a r d i n g t h e purchase
and construction of rigid airships by t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s Government.
T h e W a r Cabinet decided—
(a.) To approve t h e proposal of t h e A d m i r a l t y t h a t a rigid
airship, now under construction, should be sold to t h e
United States Government.
(b.) To approve t h e sale t o t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s of a second rigid
airship of improved t y p e , t h e question of w h e t h e r
American w o r k m e n should co-operace w i t h British firms
in constructing t h e airship being left for t h e decision of
t h e Air Ministry.
(e.) To sanction the proposal, subject to Treasury approval of
t h e purchase price, t h a t negotiations w i t h t h e U n i t e d
S t a t e s and w i t h B r i t i s h firms in this c o u n t r y for t h e sale
of R. 36, R. 37 a n d R. 38, should proceed, a n d t h a t work
on t h e said airships should continue slowly, p e n d i n g t h e
result of t h e negotiations.
Insurance of
Officers against
Disablement.
us
7. The W a r Cabinet h a d u n d e r consideration a Memorandum
by t h e Secretary of S t a t e for W a r (Paper G . T . - 8 2 1 7 ) on t h e question
of t h e insurance of officers against disablement, a n d decided t h a t —
T h e m a t t e r should be adjourned for further examination of t h e
question generally, a n d of a n e w proposal t h a t in t h e
case of officers of t h e R o y a l N a v y a n d Royal Air F o r c e
reft. ­
it should be restricted t o new entries a n d t o those w h o
accepted i t voluntarily. The question should be b r o u g h t
u p again by t h e Minister of Pensions, for consideration in
conjunction w i t h t h e pending n e w scheme for post-war
pensions.
8. The W a r Cabinet had before t h e m t h e draft of a Bill to
confirm an agreement entered into b y the A d m i r a l t y for t h e
acquisition of a harbour a t i n v e r g o r d o n ( P a p e r G.T.-7997).
The F i r s t Lord of t h e A d m i r a l t y explained t h a t t h e Bin was
b r o u g h t u p for t h e formal approval of t h e W a r Cabinet in case it
should be necessary to introduce it into P a r l i a m e n t . The situation
h a d altered since t h e a g r e e m e n t w a s entered into. T h e A d m i r a l t y
were giving up t h e h a r b o u r a t Invergordon, a n d were endeavouring
t o resell it, so t h a t it m i g h t be unnecessary t o obtain t h e sanction of
P a r l i a m e n t t o t h e agreement.
The W a r Cabinet decided—
To approve t h e Bill, on t h e u n d e r s t a n d i n g t h a t t h e F i r s t Lord
would n o t i n t r o d u c e i t into P a r l i a m e n t w i t h o u t further
reference t o Mr. Bonar L a w , a n d t h a t , in t h e meantime,
t h e A d m i r a l t y would endeavour to resell t h e Invergordon
H a r b o u r property.
2, Whitehall Gardens, S.W. 1,
October 9, 1919.
o
30
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
October 1 9 1 9 .
SECRET.
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET
' 149
030.
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet, held at 10, Doioning
Tuesday, October 14, 1919, at 11-30 A M .
Street, S.W., on
Present:
The P R I M E M I N I S T E R (in the
The R i g h t Hon. A. CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.
The R i g h t H o n . Sir E . G E D D E S ,
G.B.E., M . P .
Chair).
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. B O N A R L A W , M . P .
G.C.B.,
The following were also p r e s e n t :
The R i g h t H o n . W . LONG, M . P . , F i r s t
Lord of t h e A d m i r a l t y (for Conclusions
4 t o 10).
T h e R i g h t H o n . W . S. C H U R C H I L L , M . P . ,
Secretary of S t a t e for W a r (for Conclusion 10.)
The R i g h t Hon. E. S. SHORTT, K . C . , M . P . ,
Secretary of S t a t e for H o m e Affairs.
T h e R i g h t Hon. H . A. L. F I S H E R , L L . D . ,
M.P., P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board
of
E d u c a t i o n (for Conclusions 1, 2, 3, 9,
and 10).
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir R. S. H O R N E , K . B . E . ,
K.C., M . P . , Minister of L a b o u r (for
Conclusions 1 t o 4).
T h e R i g h t Hon. C. A D D I S O N , M.D., M . P . ,
Minister of H e a l t h (for Conclusions 1 t o
4).
Sir
J.
A.
C. T I L L E Y ,
K.C.M.G.,
C.B.,
The
Right
Hon. G. H . R O B E R T S , M . P . ,
Food Controller (for Conclusion 3).
The R i g h t Hon. Lord L E E of F A R E H A M ,
G.B.E., K.C.B., P r e s i d e n t , Board of
A g r i c u l t u r e a n d Fisheries (for Con­
clusion 6).
Admiral Sir R. E . W E M Y S S , G.C.B.,
C.M.G., M.Y.O., F i r s t Sea L o r d (for
Conclusion 10).
Major-General Sir P . P . de B. R A D C L I F F E ,
K . C . M . G . , C.B., D.S.O., Director of
Military Operations (for Conclusion 10).
Sir D . J . SHACKLETON, K . C . B . , P e r m a n e n t
Secretary, Ministry of Labour (for Con­
clusions 3 a n d 4 ) .
Sir W . F . M A R W O O D , K.C.B., J o i n t Secre­
t a r y , Board of T r a d e (for Conclusion 4 ) .
A s s i s t a n t Secretary, Foreign Office (for
Conclusion 10).
Sir H A R D M A N L E V E R , K . C . B . , M i n i s t r y of
L i e u t e n a n t - G e n e r a l Sir H . Y . C o x , K . C . B . ,
K.C.M.G., C.S.I., Military Secretary,
India Office (for Conclusion 10).
Sir H . W A L K E R , K . C . B . , C h a i r m a n ,
Railway
Executive
Committee (for
Conclusion 4).
T r a n s p o r t (for Conclusions 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M. P . A. H A N K E Y , G.C.B.,
Mr. P E M B R O K E W I C K S , Assistant
Secretary.
C a p t a i n L. F . B U R G I S , Assistant
Secretary.
Lieutenant-Colonel L. STORR, C.B., Assistant
Mr. G. M. E Y A N S , Assistant
Secretary.
Secretary.
Brigadier S. H . W I L S O N , C.B., C.M.G., Assistant
[ 1 1 4 4]
Secretary.
Secretary.
B
Civil Staff of
Admiralty and
War Bonus.
1. T h e Chancellor of t h e E x c h e q u e r i n f o r m e d t h e W a r C a b i n e t
t h a t t h e Civil Staff of t h e A d m i r a l t y , b o t h a t h e a d q u a r t e r s a n d a t
t h e s h i p y a r d s , h a d sent i n a m e m o r i a l to t h e T r e a s u r y r e q u e s t i n g
t h a t , i n view of t h e w a r s t r a i n of t h e l a s t five y e a r s , t h e y m i g h t
receive a special bonus. T h e y also r e q u e s t e d t h a t one y e a r ' s service
d u r i n g t h e w a r m i g h t count as two, a n d t h a t t h e y m i g h t be a l l o w e d
to r e t i r e a t 50 i n s t e a d of 60 y e a r s of age. T h e C h a n c e l l o r of t h e
E x c h e q u e r a d d e d t h a t h e h a d refused t h i s r e q u e s t .
T h e W a r C a b i n e t c o n c u r r e d i n t h e decision of t h e Chancellor
of t h e E x c h e q u e r .
Small Arms
Ammunition to
Lettish
Government.
2. T h e Chancellor of t h e E x c h e q u e r s a i d t h a t t h e W a r Office
h a d r e q u e s t e d p e r m i s s i o n t o send by destroyer i m m e d i a t e l y t o t h e
L e t t i s h G o v e r n m e n t G e r m a n small a r m s a m m u n i t i o n t o t h e v a l u e
of 16,000Z. for u s e a g a i n s t t h e G e r m a n s .
.
T h e W a r C a b i n e t decided t h a t —
A s t h e a t t a c k on R i g a by t h e G e r m a n s w a s b e i n g c a r r i e d o u t
i n s p i t e of c o n t r a r y i n s t r u c t i o n s issued by t h e S u p r e m e
W a r Council, t h e W a r Office should be a u t h o r i s e d to send
small a r m s a m m u n i t i o n to t h e v a l u e of 16,000Z. by
destroyer to t h e L e t t i s h Government.
International
Labour
Conference at
Washington.
48-Hour Week.
3. W i t h reference to W a r C a b i n e t 628, M i n u t e s 1, 2, a n d 3,
t h e W a r C a b i n e t h a d before t h e m M e m o r a n d a by M r . B a r n e s
( P a p e r s G . T . - 7 9 9 8 , G . T . - 8 2 2 2 , G.T.-8288) on t h e subject of t h e
I n t e r n a t i o n a l L a b o u r Conference a t W a s h i n g t o n .
T h e W a r C a b i n e t decided, i n view of t h e f a c t t h a t t h e M i n i s t e r
of L a b o u r h a d l a i d on t h e T a b l e of t h e H o u s e of C o m m o n s l a s t
session a d r a f t B i l l d e a l i n g w i t h t h e r e g u l a t i o n of h o u r s a n d l a b o u r
a n d t h e q u e s t i o n of overtime, w h i c h differed i n i m p o r t a n t r e s p e c t s
from t h e d r a f t of t h e Convention, especially i n r e g a r d t o o v e r t i m e ,
that—T h e B r i t i s h D e l e g a t e s should s u p p o r t t h e p r i n c i p l e s c o n t a i n e d
i n t h e M i n i s t e r of L a b o u r ' s d r a f t Bill.
T h e M i n i s t e r of L a b o u r w a s r e q u e s t e d t o send a t e l e g r a m t o
M r . B a r n e s i n t h e above sense.
Composition of
Delegation.
A s r e g a r d s the composition of t h e B r i t i s h D e l e g a t i o n , i t w a s
c o n s i d e r e d t h a t t h e employers w e r e n o t a d e q u a t e l y r e p r e s e n t e d ,
a n d t h e M i n i s t e r of L a b o u r w a s r e q u e s t e d to see S i r A l l a n S m i t h
w i t h a view t o o b t a i n i n g h i s services on t h e e m p l o y e r s ' side of t h e
Delegation^
Bailway Wages.
4. T h e W a r C a b i n e t h a d a short discussion on t h e subject of
r a i l w a y w a g e s , a s t h e q u e s t i o n w a s to be t a k e n u p w i t h t h e r e p r e ­
s e n t a t i v e s of t h e r a i l w a y m e n t h e s a m e a f t e r n o o n .
I t w a s g e n e r a l l y a g r e e d t h a t t h e r a i l w a y m e n m u s t be m a d e t o
f a c e t h e q u e s t i o n of t h e effect of rises in wages u p o n t h e finances
of t h e railwaj^s. T h e view w a s expressed, a n d n o t objected to, t h a t
t h e r e w a s no r e a s o n w h y p e r m i s s i o n should n o t be g r a n t e d , i f t h e
r a i l w a y m e n pressed for it, to a n a c c o u n t a n t , n o m i n a t e d by t h e m , t o
e x a m i n e a n d r e p o r t on t h i s aspect of t h e question.
I n t h i s connection t h e M i n i s t e r of T r a n s p o r t s t a t e d t h a t h e
p r o p o s e d , as soon as P a r l i a m e n t met, t o l a y before it, i n t h e f o r m of
* Note by the Secretary.—Before the end of the Meeting, Sir Robert Home sent
word that he had seen Sir Allan Smith, who had stated that he could do no more in
the matter, and the Prime Minister then issued a formal Minute of Appointment for
the British Delegation to the Labour Conference. (Initialled) M. P. A. H.
3
W . C . 630
a P a r l i a m e n t a r y P a p e r , a full financial s t a t e m e n t r e g a r d i n g t h e
railways.
T h e s u b j e c t w a s a d j o u r n e d u n t i l 3.30 p . m . , a t w h i c h h o u r t h e
P r i m e M i n i s t e r a s k e d t h e M i n i s t e r s concerned t o m e e t
him.
Ministry of
Transport Act,
1919.
Acquisition of
Privately-owned
Eailway
Wagons.
5. T h e W a r C a b i n e t h a d before t h e m t h e following d o c u m e n t s
on t h e subject of t h e a c q u i s i t i o n of p r i v a t e l y - o w n e d r a i l w a y
w a g o n s :—
A M e m o r a n d u m b v t h e M i n i s t e r of T r a n s p o r t
G.T.-8133).
A Note from the Treasury ( P a p e r G.T.-8154).
(Paper
A f t e r a full discussion t h e W a r C a b i n e t d e c i d e d —
(a.) T o a g r e e i n p r i n c i p l e t o t h e a c q u i s i t i o n of p r i v a t e l y ­
owned wagons.
(&.) T h a t if t h e w a g o n s w e r e a c q u i r e d o w n e r s h i p - s h o u l d n o t
r e m a i n w i t h t h e S t a t e , a n d t h a t , before a n y s t e p s w e r e
t a k e n t o w a r d s a c q u i s i t i o n , a n e n d e a v o u r should be
m a d e to come to t e r m s w i t h t h e r a i l w a y c o m p a n i e s a s
t o t h e d i s p o s a l of t h e w a g o n s a n d as to t h e
financial
a r r a n g e m e n t s t h a t a r e necessary.
(c.) T h a t t h e M i n i s t r y of T r a n s p o r t should m a k e t h e best b a r ­
g a i n they can in p u r c h a s i n g t h e w a g o n s , a n d t h e best
a r r a n g e m e n t for t h e i r disposal, a s p r o p o s e d above,
w i t h o u t being t i e d down to t h e p r e - w a r cost, a n d w i t h ­
out a d m i t t i n g t h e basis of p r e s e n t value.
Pail way Bates.
6. T h e W a r C a b i n e t h a d u n d e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n a M e m o r a n d u m
by t h e M i n i s t r y of T r a n s p o r t ( P a p e r G.T.-8319) on t h e subject of
the r e v i s i o n of r a i l w a y r a t e s .
The W a r Cabinet decided—
(a.) T h a t if a n y differentiation of r a t e s on a non-commercial
b a s i s is a d o p t e d to assist a n o t h e r i n d u s t r y , e.g., a g r i c u l ­
t u r e , o r if u n r e m u n e r a t i v e services a r e c o n s t r u c t e d or
r u n , t h e cost s h o u l d be clearly disclosed i n t h e a c c o u n t s
a n d should n o t be p a s s e d as a d i s g u i s e d or concealed
s u b s i d y to such i n d u s t r y .
(&.) T h a t , subject to t h e above decision, t h e M i n i s t e r of T r a n s ­
p o r t should be a u t h o r i s e d , i n p r i n c i p l e , t o b u d g e t f o r a
t e m p o r a r y loss i n respect to c a r r i a g e i n connection w i t h
t h e G o v e r n m e n t H o u s i n g Scheme a n d a g r i c u l t u r a l a n d
i n d u s t r i a l development, a n d o t h e r s i m i l a r a n d neces­
s a r y services.
(c.) T h a t t h e M i n i s t e r of T r a n s p o r t s h o u l d give t h e C h a i r m a n
of t h e R a t e s A d v i s o r y C o m m i t t e e a h i n t t h a t t h e
G o v e r n m e n t d i d n o t i n t e n d t o impose l a r g e l y i n c r e a s e d
r a t e s for a g r i c u l t u r a l p r o d u c e .
(d) T o a p p r o v e g e n e r a l l y t h e following d r a f t T e r m s of R e f e r ­
ence t o t h e R a t e s A d v i s o r y Committee, u n d e r Section
2 1 of t h e M i n i s t r y of T r a n s p o r t A c t , 1919 :—
(1.) T h e M i n i s t e r h a v i n g d e t e r m i n e d t h a t a n increase
i n t h e n e t revenue of t h e r a i l w a y s of t h e U n i t e d
K i n g d o m from t h e conveyance of m e r c h a n d i s e ,
a n i m a l s , a n d c a r r i a g e s b y goods t r a i n a n d of
m e r c h a n d i s e by p a s s e n g e r t r a i n of n o t less t h a n
45,000,000Z. p e r a n n u m is necessary, t h e C o m ­
m i t t e e a r e d e s i r e d t o a d v i s e as t o t h e best
m e t h o d s of o b t a i n i n g such i n c r e a s e d r e v e n u e
from t h e different classes of traffic, h a v i n g d u e
31
r e g a r d to e x i s t i n g c o n t r a c t s a n d t h e f a i r n e s s a n d
a d e q u a c y of the m e t h o d s p r o p o s e d to be a d o p t e d .
I n connection w i t h t h i s reference, t h e a t t e n t i o n of t h e
C o m m i t t e e is d r a w n to t h e f a c t t h a t , a l t h o u g h
the companies generally are under no obligation
to p r o v i d e t r u c k s for traffic i n C l a s s " A , " or for
c e r t a i n o t h e r commodities, t h e y do, i n some
instances, s u p p l y t r u c k s for such traffic, a n d
m a k e a s e p a r a t e c h a r g e for t h e i r u s e u n d e r t h e
provisions of Section 9 of t h e v a r i o u s R a i l w a y
R a t e s a n d C h a r g e s O r d e r s 1 8 9 1 / 2 . T h e Com­
m i t t e e a r e d e s i r e d to a d v i s e u p o n t h e q u e s t i o n of
i n c r e a s i n g t h e c h a r g e s for t h e u s e of t r u c k s
s u p p l i e d i n such c i r c u m s t a n c e s , a n d u p o n t h e
scale of a n y such increase.
(2.) I n view of t h e i n c r e a s e d value of t r u c k s a n d sheets,
a n d t h e i m p o r t a n c e of e n s u r i n g t h e m o s t
economical use of t h e l i m i t e d n u m b e r available,
if congestion i s t o be r e d u c e d now a n d a v o i d e d
in f u t u r e , a n i n c r e a s e i n t h e c h a r g e s for d e t e n ­
t i o n is i m p e r a t i v e in o r d e r to i n d u c e t r a d e r s t o
free t r u c k s and. sheets as r a p i d l y a s possible.
The Committee a r e requested to advise u p o n the
q u e s t i o n of :—
(a.) I n c r e a s i n g t h e p r e s e n t c h a r g e s for deten­
t i o n of r a i l w a y t r u c k s a n d sheets before
or a f t e r conveyance.
(&.) D e c r e a s i n g t h e p r e s e n t free t i m e allowed
for l o a d i n g a n d u n l o a d i n g , a n d
(c.) I n c r e a s i n g t h e p r e s e n t c h a r g e for t h e
i n t e r n a l u s e r bv t h e t r a d e r w i t h i n h i s
p r e m i s e s of r a i l w a y s t r u c k s a n d sheets.
(3.) I n c e r t a i n cases, of w h i c h i n s t a n c e s a r e g i v e n i n
t h e schedule a n n e x e d , t h e c o m p a n i e s h a v e
r e n d e r e d t o t r a d e r s c e r t a i n ' services, e i t h e r free
or a t a n o m i n a l c h a r g e , a n d t h e C o m m i t t e e ' s
views a r e s o u g h t a s to t h e d e s i r a b i l i t y of t e r ­
m i n a t i n g or m o d i f y i n g t h i s p r a c t i c e .
(e.) T h e M i n i s t e r of T r a n s p o r t should be a u t h o r i s e d t o m a k e
p u b l i c the b r o a d f a c t s of t h e d r a f t r e f e r r e d t o i n (d)
above.
7. T h e W a r C a b i n e t h a d u n d e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n t h e R e p o r t of
t h e Select C o m m i t t e e on T r a n s p o r t ( M e t r o p o l i t a n A r e a ) ( P a p e r
G . T . - 7 9 5 1 ) , t o g e t h e r w i t h a M e m o r a n d u m by t h e M i n i s t e r of
T r a n s p o r t (Paper G.T.-7968), dealing w i t h the recommendations
set o u t i n t h e a f o r e s a i d R e p o r t .
The W a r Cabinet d e c i d e d T o a p p r o v e t h e M i n i s t e r of T r a n s p o r t s
a m e n d e d a s follows :—
recommendations,
1
(1.) T h a t t h e M i n i s t e r of T r a n s p o r t s h o u l d be i n s t r u c t e d
to u t i l i s e a t once t h e p o w e r s w h i c h he h a s a c q u i r e d
t o deal w i t h t h e traffic problem, as r e g a r d s t h e
Metropolitan area.
(2.) T h a t a n A d v i s o r y C o m m i t t e e , b r o a d l y on t h e lines
of t h e r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s of t h e K e n n e d y - J o n e s
R e p o r t , s h o u l d be a p p o i n t e d by t h e M i n i s t e r t o
assist h i m .
(3.) T h a t , should it become n e c e s s a r y for t h e M i n i s t e r of
T r a n s p o r t to o b t a i n p o w e r s a d d i t i o n a l t o these h e
5
W . C . 630
already has in order t h a t he may deal adequately
w i t h t h e traffic problems involved, s a n c t i o n should
be o b t a i n e d f r o m t h e W a r C a b i n e t before p r o ­
ceeding to ask P a r l i a m e n t t o p a s s t h e necessary
legislation.
T h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r u n d e r t o o k t o a s k M r . K e n n e d y - J o n e s to
t a k e t h e C h a i r m a n s h i p of t h e A d v i s o r y C o m m i t t e e .
Eecommendations of the
Cabinet Strike
Committee.
qo
8. The W a r C a b i n e t h a d u n d e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n a Note by t h e
S e c r e t a r y ( P a p e r G . T . - 6 2 9 4 ) , covering c e r t a i n r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s
p u t f o r w a r d by t h e C a b i n e t S t r i k e C o m m i t t e e .
T h e W a r C a b i n e t decided—'
(a.) T h a t t h e t i m e h a d now gone by for a more f o r m a l expres­
sion of t h a n k s of t h e G o v e r n m e n t to sailors, soldiers,
a i r m e n , v o l u n t a r y w o r k e r s , a n d loyal r a i l w a y m e n who
h a d r e n d e r e d service to the c o u n t r y d u r i n g t h e R a i l w a y
S t r i k e , t h a n h a d a l r e a d y been given by t h e P r i m e
M i n i s t e r in h i s speech a t t h e M a n s i o n H o u s e on
t h e 7 t h October.
(b.) To a p p r o v e t h e p r i n c i p l e t h a t t h e B o a r d of T r a d e should
in f u t u r e be responsible for s u p p l i e s of p e t r o l , subject
to t h e a r r a n g e m e n t of d e t a i l s between t h e F i r s t L o r d
of t h e A d m i r a l t y a n d t h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e B o a r d of
Trade.
(c.) T o a p p o i n t a n E m e r g e n c y Traffic C o m m i t t e e , composed
as under—
Sir Norman Hill (Chairman),
O n e or more r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s of the M i n i s t r y of Food,
R e p r e s e n t a t i v e of t h e R a i l w a y E x e c u t i v e Committee,
R e p r e s e n t a t i v e of t h e Coal M i n e s D e p a r t m e n t ,
R e p r e s e n t a t i v e of t h e M i n i s t r y of S h i p p i n g .
R e p r e s e n t a t i v e of t h e F i n a n c e D e p a r t m e n t ( M i n i s t r y
of T r a n s p o r t ) ,
S i r H e n r y M a y b u r y (Ministrjr of T r a n s p o r t ) .
M r . S i d n e y P r e s t o n ( C h a i r m a n of t h e C a n a l C o n t r o l
Committee),
M r . K i s s a n e ( M i n i s t r y of T r a n s p o r t ) ,
whose d u t i e s should b e —
(1.) T o r e p o r t a s t o t h e best m e a n s of m o v i n g
i n l a n d or t o smaller p o r t s t h e stocks of
food, wool, & c , n o w a t t h e p r i n c i p a l p o r t s
which are congested;
(2.) T o t a k e s t e p s t o e n s u r e t h a t t h e t r a n s i t sheds
a t t h e congested p o r t s a r e c l e a r e d ;
(3.) T o a r r a n g e s t o r a g e , & c , i n l a n d or a t smaller
p o r t s , of t h e goods cleared from l a r g e r
ports which are congested;
(4.) T o r e c o m m e n d t h e allocation of, a n d a scheme
for w o r k i n g , G o v e r n m e n t - o w n e d lorries, if
required;
(5.) T o consider a n d r e p o r t u p o n , t h e
financial
a s p e c t of a n y schemes s u g g e s t e d .
(d.)
To a p p o i n t a N a t i o n a l E m e r g e n c y C o m m i t t e e of t h e
W a r C a b i n e t , a n d to a p p r o v e t h e f o l l o w i n g recommen­
d a t i o n s of t h e S t r i k e C o m m i t t e e i n r e g a r d to its
c o n s t i t u t i o n a n d f u n c t i o n s :—
(1.) T h e n e w C a b i n e t C o m m i t t e e w i l l t a k e over the
functions of t h e I n d u s t r i a l U n r e s t C o m m i t t e e
[1144]
C
a n d w i l l be e n t r u s t e d w i t h t h e executive p o w e r s
of t h e W a r C a b i n e t S t r i k e C o m m i t t e e , t h e s a i d
p o w e r s to be exercised a s a n d w h e n t h e W a r
C a b i n e t m a y d i r e c t , t o m e e t i n d u s t r i a l crises i n
the future.
(2.) T h e C o m m i t t e e will be e n t i t l e d " T h e S u p p l y a n d
T r a n s p o r t C o m m i t t e e of t h e W a r C a b i n e t , " a n d
will be composed a s follows :—
T h e M i n i s t e r of T r a n s p o r t (in t h e C h a i r ) .
The Home Secretary.
T h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e B o a r d of T r a d e .
The Food Controller.
T h e M i n i s t e r of L a b o u r .
T h e Shipping Controller.
Lieutenant-Colonel L . Storr (Secretary).
(3.) T h e C o m m i t t e e w i l l meet from t i m e t o t i m e a s
m a y be necessary i n o r d e r to perfect i t s
m a c h i n e r y for m e e t i n g e m e r g e n c i e s .
(4.) T h e C o m m i t t e e w i l l s u p e r v i s e t h e p r e p a r a t i o n of
a r e c o r d of t h e w o r k done by t h e S t r i k e Com­
m i t t e e a n d i t s several S u b - C o m m i t t e e s , as w e l l
a s by t h e v a r i o u s o r g a n i s a t i o n s set u p to d e a l
w i t h t h e l a t e e m e r g e n c y : t h e r e c o r d t o be a s
complete a s possible a n d to specify p a r t i c u l a r l y
such defects as h a v e been b r o u g h t to l i g h t , a n d
also to m a k e r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s .
(5.) T h e w o r k pf c o m p i l i n g t h e r e c o r d to be u n d e r ­
taken, under the Committee's direction, by a
special
Sub-Committee
consisting
of
the
following :—
Sir Rhys Williams (Chairman),
R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s of t h e f o l l o w i n g
m e n t s :—
,
Depart-
M i n i s t r y of T r a n s p o r t , S i r P . Nash, S i r
H . Maybury, a n d Sir J. G. Beharrell,
M i n i s t r y of Food, M r . W i s e ,
H o m e Office, to be a p p o i n t e d b y t h e H o m e
Secretary,
Electrical Supplies, M r . Gridley,
R a i l w a y E x e c u t i v e , t o be a p p o i n t e d by t h e
Railway Executive Committee,
Canals, Mr. Preston,
M i n i s t r y of S h i p p i n g , t o be a p p o i n t e d by t h e
S h i p p i n g Controller,
B o a r d of T r a d e (Coal a n d P e t r o l ) , M r . H . A .
Payne,
M i n i s t r y of M u n i t i o n s , t o be a p p o i n t e d by t h e
M i n i s t e r of M u n i t i o n s ,
w i t h a S e c r e t a r y from t h e W a r C a b i n e t
Secretariat.
Enabling Bill.
9. T h e W a r C a b i n e t h a d a discussion on t h e q u e s t i o n of
w h e t h e r t h e G o v e r n m e n t should give t i m e i n t h e H o u s e of
C o m m o n s for t h e c o n s i d e r a t i o n of t h e C h u r c h E n a b l i n g Bill, w h i c h
h a d n o w p a s s e d t h e H o u s e of L o r d s .
55
W . C . 630
The W a r Cabinet decided—
T o a d j o u r n c o n s i d e r a t i o n of t h i s q u e s t i o n u n t i l t h e L e a d e r
of t h e H o u s e of L o r d s a n d t h e L o r d C h a n c e l l o r w e r e able
t o be p r e s e n t .
10. T h e
War
Cabinet
had
under
consideration
a
M e m o r a n d u m by t h e S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for W a r ( P a p e r
G-.T.-8292) on M i l i t a r y P o l i c y i n A s i a M i n o r , a n d a f t e r some
discussion a s t o t h e p r o b a b l e effect o n t h e g e n e r a l s i t u a t i o n of t h e
w i t h d r a w a l of t h e B r i t i s h d e t a c h m e n t s on t h e A n a t o l i a n R a i l w a y ,
it w a s d e c i d e d —
To a d j o u r n t h e discussion, a n d t h a t t h e S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e
for W a r should, i n t h e m e a n w h i l e , discuss t h e g e n e r a l
p o s i t i o n w i t h M . Venizelos, r e p o r t i n g t h e r e s u l t of h i s
discussion t o t h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r .
2, Whitehall
Gardens,
October 14, 1919.
S.W.1.
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
October
1919.
SECRET.
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET
631,
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet held at 10, Downing
on Thursday,
October 16, 1919, at 11.30 A.M.
Street,
S.W.,
Present:
1
The R i g h t Hon. A . B O N A R L A W , M . P . (in the
The
Right Hon. t h e Earl CURZON OF
KEDLESTON, K . G . , G . C . S . I . , G.O.I.E.
Chair).
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir E R I C G E D D E S , G . C . B . ,
G.B.E.,
M.P.
The R i g h t Hon. A . CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.
The following were also p r e s e n t :
T h e R i g h t H o n . t h e Viscount M I L N E R ,
G.C.B., G . C . M . G , Secretary of S t a t e
for t h e Colonies.
T h e R i g h t H o n . W . S. C H U R C H I L L , M . P . ,
T h e R i g h t H o n . W . LONG, M . P . , F i r s t
Lord of t h e A d m i r a l t y .
M . P . , A t t o r n e y - G e n e r a l (for Conclusions
4, 5, 6). .
T h e R i g h t Hon. Sir A U C K L A N D G E D D E S ,
K.C.B., M . P . , President, Board of Trade.
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir E . POLLOCK, K . B . E . ,
K G , M . P . , Solicitor-General (for Con­
clusion 5).
Hon. Lord
INVERPORTH
The
Right
Minister of Munitions (for Conclusions 6,
7, 8).
T h e R i g h t H o n . G. H . R O B E R T S , M . P . ,
Food Controller (for Conclusion 7).
Lieutenant-General
Sir H . Y.
K G B . , K.C.M.G., C.S.I., I n d i a
(for Conclusion 6).
Cox,
Office
S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for W a r .
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir G. H E W A R T ,
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir J . M A C L A Y , B t . , Ship­
ing Controller (for Conclusions 7, 8, 9,
10).
Major-General Sir W . T H W A I T E S , K . C . M . G ,
O. B., Director of Military Intelligence
(for Conclusions 5, 6).
Air-Marshal S i r
T h e R i g h t H o n . t h e E a r l of LYTTON, Civil
L o r d of t h e A d m i r a l t y (for Conclusion
10)..
Sir A. G R I F F I T H B O S C A W E N , M . P . , Parlia­
m e n t a r y Secretary, Board of A g r i c u l t u r e
a n d Fisheries (for Conclusion 10).
Sir A N O R M A N H I L L , P o r t a n d Transitive
Committee, Ministry of S h i p p i n g (for
Conclusion 7 ) .
M r . P . R O S E , Scottish Office (for Conclusion
10).
H . M. T R E N C H A R D ,
Mr. C. J . B . H U R S T , K G ,
Mr.
H.
G.
MAURICE,
C.B.,
Fisheries
Division,
B o a r d of A g r i c u l t u r e
Fisheries (for Conclusion 10).
and
Paymaster Lieutenant-Commander JD. P .
J O N E S , C.B.E., R . N . R . , Secretary, Scot­
t i s h F i s h e r y Board (for Conclusion 10).
C a p t a i n F . B. E L L I O T , O.B.E., Director of
Shipping, Ministry of Food (for Con­
clusion 7).
Secretary.
Secretary.
Lieutenant-Colonel L. STORR, C.B., Assistant
[1152]
C.B., F o r e i g n
Office (for Conclusion 6 ) .
Brigadier-General S. H . W I L S O N , C.B., C.M.G., Assistant
M r . P . W I C K S , Assistant
Bt.,
K G B . , D . S . O . , Chief of t h e A i r Staff
(for Conclusions 4, 5).
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M. P . A. H A N K E Y , G.C.B.,
Mr. G. M. E V A N S , Assistant
KG,
Secretary.
Secretary.
Secretary.
B
Diplomatic Eepresentation at the
Vatican.
1. W I T H reference t o W a r Cabinet 597, M i n u t e 2, t h e A c t i n g
Secretary of S t a t e for Foreign Affairs informed t h e W a r C a b i n e t
t h a t , since tiie question of diplomatic representation at t h e V a t i c a n
h a d last been discussed, he had collected a good m a n y opinions on
t h e subject. H e therefore proposed to circulate to t h e W a r Cabinet
a memorandum, in which he would embody all t h e views for a n d
against British representation—
The W a r Cabinet took note of the fact t h a t t h e A c t i n g
Secretary of S t a t e for Foreign Affairs proposed t o circulate
a m e m o r a n d u m on t h e subject ;
a n d decided t h a t —
:
Eeunion of Eastern
,Galicia to the
Polish Eepublic.
I n t h e meanwhile t h e A c t i n g Secretary of S t a t e for F o r e i g n
Affairs should draft a telegram, to be sent b y t h e Secretary
of S t a t e for t h e Colonies, inviting t h e views of t h e P r i m e
Ministers of t h e Dominions on t h e subject.
2. The War Cabinet had before them a note communicated to
the Prime Minister by M. Paderewski, containing a resolution by the
Polish Diet asking for the final reunion of Eastern Galicia to the
Polish Republic (Paper G . T . - 8 3 0 8 ) The War Cabinet saw no reason to modify the policy communi­
cated to Sir Eyre Crowe in Foreign Office telegram
No. 1228 of the 13th October, which was approved by the
Prime Minister, and states that, in the opinion of H i s
Majesty's Government, under no circumstances should
Eastern Galicia be annexed to Poland, and that the best
hope for a satisfactory and peaceful settlement would
appear to be for Poland t o r e c e i v e a mandate, subject to the
necessary provisions for local autonomy, for a period of,
say, 10 years, at the end of which time the question should
be considered by the League of Nations.
Eepresentation of
Canada at
Washington.
3. The W a r Cabinet h a d u n d e r consideration a telegram from
t h e Governor-General of Canada t o t h e Secretary of S t a t e for
t h e Colonies, containing detailed proposals for t h e distinctive
representation of Canada a t Washington.
T h e general t r e n d of t h e discussion was in favour of agreeing t o
t h e principle of Canadian representation a t W a s h i n g t o n , a l t h o u g h it­
was recognised t h a t t h e working o u t of details involved constitutional
considerations of high policy, and t h a t it m i g h t be best to propose
some temporary a n d experimental a r r a n g e m e n t pending t h e con­
ference t o be held in t h e n o t d i s t a n t future to discuss t h e r e a d j u s t m e n t
of t h e constitutional relations of t h e component p a r t s of t h e British
Empire.
The Secretary of S t a t e for t h e Colonies kaving read a draft
telegram as a basis for consideration, t h e W a r Cabinet agreed t h a t —
The A c t i n g Secretary of S t a t e for Foreign Affairs a n d t h e
Secretary of S t a t e for t h e Colonies, together w i t h a n y
officials t h e y m i g h t require, should confer in order t o
draft a reply for t h e consideration of t h e W a r Cabinet.
Support for the
Polish Army.
0
"
4. The W a r Cabinet h a d before t h e m a telegram from Sir E y r e
Crowe (Paris Peace. Conference) to t h e Foreign Office (No. 1405),
asking for a n indication of t h e view of H i s Majesty's Government on
t h e question of t h e p r i n c i p l e of sending supplies to t h e Polish a r m y ,
3
WC 631
it being left t o t h e British military representative on t h e Council a t
Versailles to examine, in concert w i t h t h e other military representa­
tives, t h e form of contribution t h a t m i g h t be made by each of t h e
several Allies.
After considerable discussion, t h e W a r Cabinet decided t h a t —
The A c t i n g Secretary of S t a t e for Foreign Affairs should draft
a reply, for t h e approval of Mr. Bonar L a w , on t h e following
basis :—
(1.) T h a t it should be pointed o u t t h a t H i s Majesty's
Government were in general s y m p a t h y w i t h t h e
proposal t o give support to t h e Polish a r m y , a n d
t h a t negotiations were already in progress for pro­
viding certain stores for t h a t a r m y in r e t u r n for
payment.
(2.) T h a t H i s Majesty's Government r e g a r d e d t h e respon­
sibility for helping the Polish a r m y to be one which
rested w i t h t h e Allies generally, and only to a v e r y
minor degree w i t h G r e a t Britain, b u t t h a t H i s
Majesty's Government were nevertheless ready to
examine t h e whole question, a n d possibly help to a
minor degree, provided t h a t t h e French a n d U n i t e d
S t a t e s Governments took t h e i r share.
The W a r Cabinet further decided t h a t —
The British military representative a t Versailles should
informed—
be
(a.) T h a t His Majesty's Goveimment' i n t e n d to limit t h e
stores t o be given free t o non-marketable munitions,
such as ammunition, guns, a n d t a n k s ;
(b.) T h a t he should not assent to a n y recommendation
which involved t h e British G o v e r n m e n t in t h e main
responsibility for t h e t r a n s p o r t of t h e stores or for
the cost of their transport.
Breaches of the
Laws of War by
"the Enemy:
Question of Air
ct c s
1 1
**" T h e W a r Cabinet h a d under consideration t h e following
documents relating to t h e e x t e n t to which air a t t a c k s could be
t r e a t e d as breaches of t h e laws of war, for t h e purpose of charging
e n e m y persons : ­
1\
0,03
2- ^
£ o o He
Memorandum from t h e Air Ministry ( P a p e r G.T.-8258).
R e p o r t s from a Committee of E n q u i r y into Breaches of t h e L a w s
of W a r (Paper G.T.-7806).
Memorandum b y t h e Secretary of S t a t e for W a r ( P a p e r
G.T.-8280).
"jhg Attorney-General h a v i n g s t a t e d t h a t t h e list of persons t o
be demanded for trial was being revised, a n d t h a t t h e new list
( w h i c h would be ready in t h e course of t h e n e x t week or so) would
contain a few names only of aviators, t h e W a r Cabinet decided
that­
(a.) I t was unnecessary t o decide t h e question of principle, a n d
t h a t each case should be left for s e t t l e m e n t on its m e r i t s
between t h e Secretary of S t a t e for W a r a n d t h e L a w
Officers.
(b.) I n t h e meantime, t h e W a r Office should not r e p a t r i a t e a n y
of t h e enemy aviator prisoners now d e t a i n e d a t t h e
request of t h e L a w Officers.
[1152]
-Future Employ­
ment in Warfare
of Asphyxiating
or other Gases.
6. T h e W a r Cabinet h a d before t h e m t h e following d o c u m e n t s
on t h e subject of t h e e m p l o y m e n t in future warfare of a s p h y x i a t i n g
or o t h e r gases :—
Correspondence from t h e W a r Office (Paper G . T . - 7 9 7 6 ) .
N o t e by t h e A c t i n g Secretary, W a r Cabinet, covering a memo­
r a n d u m b y Mr. C. J . B. H u r s t ( P a p e r G.T.-8119).
M e m o r a n d u m by t h e Secretary of S t a t e for W a r ( P a p e r G . T . ­
8218).
After some discussion, t h e W a r Cabinet decided t h a t —
A s no o t h e r military P o w e r gave a n y indication of desisting
from preparations for t h e employment of a s p h y x i a t i n g
gases in warfare, t h e W a r Office should continue its g a s
organisation, w i t h o u t denouncing t h e L a n d W a r Conven­
tion a n d t h e Declaration of 1907, so far as t h e s e t i e our
h a n d s in t h e m a t t e r of g a s .
Congestion of
Ports.
7.. W i t h reference to W a r Cabinet &S2, M i n u t e 7, t h e W a r
Cabinet h a d under consideration t h e R e p o r t of a Conference on t h e
Shipping S i t u a t i o n a n d t h e Congestion in t h e D o c k s (Paper G . T . ­
8309).
Some discussion took place as to p a r a g r a p h 2 (a) :—
" T h a t t h e Ministry of Shipping, in consultation w i t h t h e
Ministry of Transport, should have a u t h o r i t y t o block Govern ­
m e n t traffic a t t h e port of shipment in cases where t h e y are
satisfied t h a t t h e import would add to or cause congestion d u e
to lack of storage accommodation in t h i s country. D e p a r t m e n t s
i m p o r t i n g goods on G o v e r n m e n t account t o be required to show
to t h e Ministry of T r a n s p o r t how t h e y propose to store t h e goods
in t h i s country before shipping facilities are a r r a n g e d . "
I t was explained t h a t , owing t o t h e absence of t h e Minister of
Food in Brussels, a t a m e e t i n g of t h e Supreme Economic Council,
w h e n t h e Conference in question was held, t h e recommendations
contained in t h e R e p o r t h a d only recently come to his notice, a n d
t h a t a Conference was t o be held t h a t afternoon between repre­
s e n t a t i v e s of t h e Board of T r a d e and the Ministry of Shipping t o
discuss t h e congestion of storage accommodation.
T h e W a r Cabinet decided—
(a.) T h a t a further m e e t i n g of t h e Conference, u n d e r t h e chair­
manship of Sir E r i c Geddes, set u p b y W a r Cabinet 632,
Minute 7, should be held to discuss w i t h t h e Minister of
Food t h e recommendations contained in p a r a g r a p h 2 (a)
of t h e report.
(&.) To approve t h e following recomuiendations :—
" T h a t t h e Storage Committee of t h e Ministry of
Reconstruction should in future act as a clearing-house
for t h e allocation of storage in t h e h a n d s of G o v e r n m e n t
d e p a r t m e n t s o t h e r t h a n in ports, a n d should m a k e
recommendations as t o t h e best use of available
accommodation."
" T h a t t h e S t o r a g e Committee be transferred t o t h e
M i n i s t r y of T r a n s p o r t . "
Some discussion took place w i t h r e g a r d to p a r a g r a p h 5 —
" (a.) Congestion of traffic could n o t be completely p r e v e n t e d
so long as t h e imports of i m p o r t a n t commodities are u n d e r t h e
control of G o v e r n m e n t d e p a r t m e n t s , a n d a r e t u r n to n o r m a l
conditions, whereby such imports are- in t h e h a n d s of p r i v a t e
t r a d e r s , is essential t o a p e r m a n e n t solution of t h e problem.
5
WC 631
" ( 6 . ) I n order t o release storage and circulate stores a n d
materials w i t h o u t delay, all Government stores in t h e U n i t e d
Kingdom, a n d in every t h e a t r e of war a n d a t all p o r t s w h a t s o ­
ever, should be declared surplus forthwith, a n d sold as soon as
possible, excepting only sufficient t o provide for t h e peace-time
requirements of t h e fighting services, a n d such duly authorised
reserves as prudence m a y require in t h e interests of safety ; such
requirements and reserves to be declared b y t h e d e p a r t m e n t s
concerned within a reasonable time to be laid down b y t h e
Cabinet. One month is suggested.
" T h e Disposal Board should effect sales even a t reduced
prices, r a t h e r t h a n hold out for better results entailing t h e
retention of storage accommodation u r g e n t l y required for t h e
commerce of t h e country."
I t was explained t h a t a r r a n g e m e n t s h a d been m a d e t o set u p a
J o i n t Committee of t h e Ministry of Munitions, t h e W a r Office, a n d
t h e A d m i r a l t y t o examine t h e question ; t h a t t h e military
authorities were now declaring as surplus large quantities of
military stores ; a n d t h a t no further action was required a t present.
Transfer of Motor
Lorries.
8. The Minister of Munitions drew a t t e n t i o n t o t h e fact t h a t
i t would be necessary t h a t t h e Ministry of Transport, to w h o m
motor lorries h a d been handed b y his d e p a r t m e n t d u r i n g t h e
railway strike, should t a k e t h e m on charge a t a definite figure.
T h e lorries were h a n d e d over b y the m i l i t a r y authorities a t
a valuation fixed by a,n independent committee, a n d were repaired
b y t h e Ministry of Munitions. If disposed of t o t h e public t h e y
would be sold for cash, a n d if transferred to other d e p a r t m e n t s
a definite charge should be entered.
The W a r Cabinet decided t h a t —
The m a t t e r should be left to the Minister of T r a n s p o r t a n d t h e
Minister of Munitions to settle.
National
Shipyards.
Sale of Admiralty
Trawlers and
Drifters.
9. W i t h reference to a memorandum b y t h e Shipping Con­
troller (Paper G.T.-8178) on t h e question of national shipyards, t h e
Shipping Controller s t a t e d t h a t negotiations for t h e sale of n a t i o n a l
shipyards were proceeding, and t h a t he hoped h e m i g h t be able t o
settle the m a t t e r w i t h o u t bringing it before t h e W a r Cabinet.
10. T h e W a r Cabinet h a d under consideration a m e m o r a n d u m
b y t h e F i r s t Lord of t h e A d m i r a l t y (Paper G.T.-8057) concerning
t h e disposal of Admiralty-owned trawlers a n d drifters, t o g e t h e r w i t h
memoranda b y t h e Chancellor of t h e E x c h e q u e r ( P a p e r G . T . - 8 0 5 8 ) ,
t h e Secretary for Scotland (Paper G . T . - 8 0 9 1 ) , a n d t h e P r e s i d e n t of
t h e Board of Agriculture ( P a p e r G.T.-8170).
The Chancellor of t h e E x c h e q u e r explained t h a t , as a r e s u l t of
conferences between t h e d e p a r t m e n t s concerned, t h e following
scheme h a d been agreed upon, subject to t h e W a r C a b i n e t deciding
t h a t a n y scheme a t all was necessary:-—
(a.) T h a t t h e drifters should be sold to ex-service fishermen
owners or groups of fishermen, p a y m e n t being m a d e b y
i n s t a l m e n t s over a period of t e n years.
(b.) T h a t 200 trawlers should be sold to a company composed of
ex-service fishermen, t h e company t o provide money for
e q u i p m e n t a n d working expenses, t h e purchase-money
for t h e vessels to be secured by a Government m o r t g a g e
a t 5 per cent, for t w e n t y years.
Sir E r i c Geddes pointed out t h a t w h a t applied to trawlers a n d
fishermen appeared to him t o apply also to Royal A r m y Service
Corps officers and men a n d Motor-Lorry Services, a n d t h a t he m i g h t
have to ask t h e Cabinet similarly to consider such applications a t a
later date.
Some discussion took place as t o t h e t e r m s on which t h e vessels
should be sold ; 10,0001. h a d been t h e figure agreed upon b y t h e
d e p a r t m e n t s concerned for a trawler, a n d 4,OO0Z. for a drifter, a s a
fair average price if all t h e vessels were sold in one lot. I t was
pointed out t h a t , as existing t r a w l e r owners were refraining from
bidding, in t h e hope t h a t later on t h e y would obtain t h e vessels on
t h e i r own terms, t h e Government would h a v e difficulty in finding
purchasers for t h e vessels in t h e open m a r k e t . O n t h e o t h e r h a n d ,
t h e view was expressed that, h a v i n g r e g a r d to t h e g r e a t demand for
shipping of all kinds, t h e Government should have no difficulty in
selling t h e vessels for a t least w h a t i t h a d cost t o build t h e m —
18,O00L each—particularly if t h e G o v e r n m e n t let it be known t h a t
in t h e last resort t h e y would not refuse foreign offers. I t was
pointed out, however, t h a t , h a v i n g r e g a r d to t h e heroic work which
h a d been done b y fishermen mine-sweepers in t h e war, a n d t h e
expectation t h e y h a d formed t h a t t h e y would be offered
fishing­
vessels on favourable terms, t h e m a t t e r could n o t be r e g a r d e d solely
from t h e point of view of sale for t h e best price obtainable.
I t was s t a t e d t h a t t h e Secretary for Scotland wished t h e question
of s e p a r a t e companies for E n g l a n d a n d W a l e s a n d for Scotland to
be r e g a r d e d as open to consideration.
The W a r Cabinet decided—
(a.) To approve t h e scheme s u b m i t t e d by L o r d L y t t o n on
behalf of t h e A d m i r a l t y , w i t h t h e concurrence of t h e
other d e p a r t m e n t s , subject to t h e reconsideration of t h e
purchase - price proposed b o t h for trawlers and for
drifters.
(6.) T h a t t h e A d m i r a l t y should confer with t h e Minister of
Shipping w i t h r e g a r d to t h e price, and, subject t o
a g r e e m e n t between t h e m , action m i g h t be t a k e n w i t h o u t
further reference t o t h e W a r Cabinet.
2, Whitehall Gardens, 8.W.
September 16, 1919.
1,
Printed
for the War Cabinet..
October 19.19.
SECRET.
-119
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET
632.
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet, held at 10, Downing
Monday, October 20, 1919, at 4 3 0 P.M.
Street, S.W., on
Present:
T h e P R I M E M I N I S T E R (in the
The Right Hon. A. CHAMBERLAIN, M . P .
I
Chair).
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. B O N A R L A W , M . P .
T h e R i g h t Hon. Sir E . G E D D E S , G . C . B . , G . B . E . , M . P .
T h e following were also p r e s e n t :
T h e R i g h t H o n . t h e Viscount M I L N E R ,
G . C B , G.C.M.G., S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e
for t h e Colonies.
The Right Hon. W . LONG, M.P., First
L o r d of t h e A d m i r a l t y .
T h e R i g h t H o n . E . S. S H O R T T , K G , M . P . ,
Secretary of S t a t e for H o m e Affairs.
The Right Hon. the Lord BIRKENHEAD,
L o r d Chancellor.
The R i g h t
Secretary of S t a t e for W a r .
T h e R i g h t H o n . S i r R . S. H O R N E , K . B . E . ,
T h e R i g h t H o n . C. A D D I S O N , M . D . , M . P . ,
K G , M . P . , Minister of Labour.
T h e R i g h t Hon. t h e L o r d L E E OE F A R E HAM, G.B.E., K . C . B . , P r e s i d e n t , Board
of Agriculture a n d Fisheries.
Hon. H . A . L. FISHER, LL.D.,
M . P . , P r e s i d e n t of t h e Board of E d u c a tion.
T h e R i g h t H o n . W . S. C H U R C H I L L , M . P . ,
Minister of H e a l t h .
The
Right
Hon.
G. H . R O B E R T S , M . P . ,
Food Controller.
L i e u t e n a n t - C o l o n e l S i r M. P . A . H A N K E Y , G . C . B . ,
C a p t a i n L . F . B U R G I S , Assistant
Secretary.
L i e u t e n a n t - C o l o n e l L . STORR, C.B., Assistant
M r . T. S t . Q. H I L L , Assistant
Secretary.
Mr. PEMBROKE WICKS,.Assistant
[1195]
Secretary.
Secretary.
Secretary.
Bates Advisory
Committee.
Mr. F. GoreBrowne.
Agricultural Policy,
Forthcoming
Statement by the
Prime Minister.
Guaranteed
Minimum Price.
1. T h e L o r d Chancellor a s k e d t h e W a r C a b i n e t to t a k e n o t e
of t h e f a c t t h a t M r . F . G o r e - B r o w n e , K . C . , h a d , to h i s o w n k n o w ­
ledge, m a d e a considerable p e r s o n a l sacrifice i n a c c e p t i n g t h e p o s t
of C h a i r m a n of t h e R a t e s A d v i s o r y C o m m i t t e e of t h e M i n i s t r y of
Transport.
2. The m e e t i n g w a s called t o e n a b l e t h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r to
consult h i s colleagues as to t h e m a i n lines of a n i m p o r t a n t s t a t e ­
m e n t on a g r i c u l t u r e , to be m a d e by h i m t o a d e p u t a t i o n on t h e
following a f t e r n o o n .
3. The W a r C a b i n e t w e r e i n f o r m e d t h a t t h e a r e a of arable­
c u l t i v a t i o n i n t h e U n i t e d K i n g d o m — w h i c h h a d been e x t e n d e d
d u r i n g t h e w a r by some 1-J million acres b u t w a s s t i l l a b o u t
2f million a c r e s less t h a n t h e c o r r e s p o n d i n g a r e a for t h e y e a r
1871—was t e n d i n g t o fall. T h i s w a s d u e to t h e a p p r e h e n s i o n s of
f a r m e r s t h a t t h e p r i c e of c o r n w a s likely to d r o p . These a p p r e ­
hensions were, i n t h e o p i n i o n of t h e W a r Cabinet, ill-founded, a s ,
o w i n g to t h e r i s e i n t h e cost of coal, t r a n s p o r t a n d l a b o u r i n
foreign c o u n t r i e s , t h e r e w a s s m a l l p r o s p e c t of a fall i n p r i c e s .
These a p p r e h e n s i o n s , however, existed, a n d c o n s t i t u t e d a r e a l
i m p e d i m e n t t o m o r e exf.ended a r a b l e c u l t i v a t i o n .
The W a r Cabinet authorised—
The P r i m e Minister to m a k e a statement in general terms to
t h e effect t h a t t h e policy of t h e G o v e r n m e n t w a s to e x t e n d
t h e g u a r a n t e e for such p e r i o d a s m i g h t be n e c e s s a r y ; b u t
t h e G o v e r n m e n t could n o t be definitely c o m m i t t e d , e i t h e r
as t o t h e price t o be fixed or t o the n u m b e r of y e a r s to
w h i c h t h e g u a r a n t e e w o u l d e x t e n d p e n d i n g the r e p o r t of
t h e R o y a l Commission w h i c h i s now e n q u i r i n g i n t o t h e
m a t t e r . T h e f a r m e r s , however, should be e n c o u r a g e d -to
. e x t e n d t h e a r e a s a t p r e s e n t u n d e r c u l t i v a t i o n , a n d should
be given sufficient a s s u r a n c e t o i n d u c e t h e m to do t h i s .
Capricious
Evictions.
' 4 . I n view of t h e f e a r s of t h e f a r m i n g c o m m u n i t y — s u b s t a n ­
t i a t e d , as t h e y were, by i n s t a n c e s of losses a c t u a l l y i n c u r r e d — t h a t
t h e i r f a r m s m i g h t be sold over t h e i r h e a d s a n d themselves
e v i c t e d — a n a p p r e h e n s i o n w h i c h led f a r m e r s t o e x t r a c t t h e u t m o s t
o u t of t h e i r l a n d s , while i t d i s c o u r a g e d t h e m from i n c u r r i n g a n y
e x p e n d i t u r e of money on t h e d e v e l o p m e n t of the s a i d l a n d s — t h e
W a r Cabinet decided t h a t —
T h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r s h o u l d be a u t h o r i s e d t o s t a t e t o t h e
d e p u t a t i o n t h a t t h e policy of t h e G o v e r n m e n t w o u l d be
to s a f e g u a r d t e n a n t f a r m e r s from c a p r i c i o u s eviction i n
t h e event of sale o r notice for r a i s i n g r e n t s . I n case of
d i s p u t e as to t h e l a t t e r , t h e m a t t e r to be s e t t l e d by
arbitration.
Scientific Research.
State Aid.
5. The W a r C a b i n e t took n o t e of t h e s t a t e m e n t t h a t t h e
a m o u n t s p r o p o s e d by t h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e B o a r d of A g r i c u l t u r e
a n d F i s h e r i e s for e x p e n d i t u r e on scientific r e s e a r c h do n o t involve
a n y d e m a n d s for money n o t a l r e a d y a u t h o r i s e d . T h e c o n t i n u a t i o n
of t h o s e g r a n t s , w h i c h a r e less t h a n / t h o s e o f a n y f o r e i g n c o u n t r y ,
w a s g e n e r a l l y s u p p o r t e d , a n d t h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e B o a r d of A g r i ­
c u l t u r e a n d F i s h e r i e s w a s r e q u e s t e d t o see t h a t g r a n t s w e r e n o t
given t o u n i v e r s i t i e s w i t h o u t p r e v i o u s c o n s u l t a t i o n of t h e P r e s i ­
d e n t of t h e B o a r d of E d u c a t i o n .
3
Tenants' Eight of
Appeal.
WO 632
6. H a v i n g r e g a r d t o t h e f a c t t h a t successive C o m m i s s i o n s on
agriculture, had uniformly reported that landlords h a d done their
d u t y t o t h e best of t h e i r a b i l i t y in r e p a i r i n g t e n a n t s ' b u i l d i n g s —
T h e W a r C a b i n e t d i d n o t consider i t necessary t o a n n o u n c e
t h a t p r o v i s i o n should be m a d e for a p p e a l b y t h e t e n a n t
a g a i n s t r e f u s a l by a l a n d l o r d t o c a r r y o u t r e p a i r s .
T h e q u e s t i o n of g i v i n g compulsory p o w e r s to t h e C o u n t y
C o m m i t t e e s i n e x t r e m e l y b a d cases w a s left for f u r t h e r
consideration.
Credit Facilities
for Agriculture.
7. T h e W a r C a b i n e t decided t h a t —
I n view of t h e h e a v y c a p i t a l c o m m i t m e n t s of t h e G o v e r n m e n t
e n t a i l e d by t h e h o u s i n g , t r a n s p o r t , a n d o t h e r r e c o n s t r u c ­
t i o n schemes, t h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r should n o t a n n o u n c e
a n y scheme of G o v e r n m e n t r e s p o n s i b i l i t y for g i v i n g
c r e d i t facilities to f a r m e r s or l a n d l o r d s . I t w a s con­
s i d e r e d sufficient for t h e P r i m e "Minister, on t h e
following day, to a n n o u n c e t h a t a g r i c u l t u r e w o u l d n e e d
more credit owing to new conditions; t h a t farmers
should use f a r m b a n k s as in o t h e r c o u n t r i e s ; b u t t h a t t h e
G o v e r n m e n t should n o t be c o m m i t t e d t o f u r t h e r e x p e n d i ­
t u r e unless o t h e r resources a r e f o u n d i n a d e q u a t e .
Eailway Bates.
8. I t w a s p o i n t e d o u t t h a t , a s a h i n t h a d been g i v e n to t h e
R a t e s A d v i s o r y C o m m i t t e e t h a t i t w a s t h e i n t e n t i o n of t h e G o v e r n ­
m e n t t o differentiate r a i l w a y r a t e s i n favour of a g r i c u l t u r e , t h e
P r i m e M i n i s t e r s h o u l d i n c l u d e t h i s i n h i s s t a t e m e n t of policy,
since, o t h e r w i s e , i t would be assumed t h a t t h e p r o p o s a l h a d been
a d o p t e d i n d e p e n d e n t l y by t h e A d v i s o r y Committee, a n d t h e
G o v e r n m e n t would g e t no c r e d i t for i t .
The W a r Cabinet approved the suggestion.
Compulsory Bowers
over Cultivation ofj
Band.
9. Some discussion took p l a c e as to t h e e x p e d i e n c y of con­
t i n u i n g , i n t i m e of p e a c e , . t h e p o w e r s a c q u i r e d u n d e r t h e C o r n
P r o d u c t i o n A c t for e x e r c i s i n g compulsion i n r e g a r d t o t h e c u l t i v a ­
t i o n of l a n d .
I t w a s held, on t h e one h a n d , t h a t t h e exercise of c o m p u l s o r y
p o w e r s u n d e r t h e Defence of t h e R e a l m A c t h a d led to a g r e a t
deal of foolish a n d v e x a t i o u s a c t i o n by t h e A g r i c u l t u r a l C o u n t y
Committees, a n d t h a t i t w o u l d be v e r y difficult to m a i n t a i n , i n
t i m e of peace, t h e p o w e r t o i n t e r f e r e w i t h t h e free e x e r c i s e of a
f a r m e r ' s j u d g m e n t i n t h e c u l t i v a t i o n of h i s land, i n h i s o w n
interest, a t t h e d i c t a t i o n of a C o m m i t t e e of h i s n e i g h b o u r s .
O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , i t w a s p o i n t e d o u t t h a t , as the G o v e r n m e n t
w e r e g o i n g t o g u a r a n t e e prices, t h e y were e n t i t l e d t o secure t h e
n a t i o n a g a i n s t b a d h u s b a n d r y ; t h a t t h e compulsory p o w e r s h a d
been m o s t effective i n c h e c k i n g b a d f a r m i n g ; t h a t a n a r b i t r a r y a n d
u n f a i r exercise of t h e m w o u l d be p r e v e n t e d by t h e p o w e r of a p p e a l
contained in the new proposals, which h a d not existed u n d e r the
Defence of t h e R e a l m R e g u l a t i o n s ; a n d t h a t t h e N a t i o n a l
F a r m e r s ' U n i o n desired t h a t the compulsory powers should be
r e t a i n e d , i n t h e i n t e r e s t of good f a r m i n g .
The W a r Cabinet decided t h a t —
T h e compulsory p o w e r s over t h e c u l t i v a t i o n of l a n d should b e
retained.
Bread. Subsidy.
10. Reference was m a d e t o t h e p r o p o s a l t o d i s c o n t i n u e t h e
b r e a d subsidy, but, i n view of t h e f a c t t h a t f u r t h e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n
w a s r e q u i r e d before a definite p r o p o s a l could be l a i d down, i t w a s
a g r e e d t h a t n o mention should be m a d e of t h e b r e a d subsidy i n
the P r i m e Minister's statement.
Appeal to
Agricultural
Labourers.
11. The W a r Cabinet concurred in a proposal t h a t a strong
a p p e a l should be m a d e t o a g r i c u l t u r a l l a b o u r e r s t o p u t f o r w a r d
t h e i r best efforts, a n d t h a t i t s h o u l d be m a d e clear t h a t t h e con­
t i n u a n c e of t h e e x i s t i n g h i g h level of a g r i c u l t u r a l w a g e s m u s t
d e p e n d u p o n a n a d e q u a t e r e t u r n for t h e w a g e s p a i d .
Certain general
advantages of the
Agricultural Policy.
12. T h e W a r C a b i n e t s u g g e s t e d t h a t t h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r , i n
t h e course of his s t a t e m e n t , s h o u l d lay s t r e s s on t h e following
p o i n t s , w h i c h were of i m p o r t a n c e t o t h e c o m m u n i t y a s a whole
r a t h e r t h a n to t h e a g r i c u l t u r a l i n t e r e s t : —
(a.) T h e p r i c e of food o u g h t t o be lessened by t h e i n c r e a s e d
home production.
(&.) T h e e x c h a n g e difficulties of t h e c o u n t r y w o u l d be
alleviated.
1 3 . T h e W a r C a b i n e t g e n e r a l l y a p p r o v e d t h e l i n e s of t h e
P r i m e M i n i s t e r s s t a t e m e n t , s u b j e c t t o t h e conclusions above
recorded.
2, Whitehall
Gardens,
October 20, 1919,
S.W.I.
o
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
October 1919.
SECRET.
1
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET
633.
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet, held at 10, Downing
Wednesday,
October 22, 1919, at 12.30 p.m.
Street, S.W., on
Present:
T h e P R I M E M I N I S T E R (in the Chair).
The Right
H o n . t h e E a r l C U R Z O N OE I T h e R i g h t H o n . A. C H A M B E R L A I N , M . P .
KEDLESTON, K . G . , G . C . S . I . , G . C . I . E .
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir E R I C G E D D E S , G . C . B . ,
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. B O N A R L A W , M. P.
G.B.E., M . P .
T h e following w e r e also p r e s e n t
The R i g h t H o n . Lord B I R K E N H E A D , Lord
Chancellor.
T h e R i g h t H o n . W . LONG, M . P . , F i r s t
Lord of t h e A d m i r a l t y .
The R i g h t Hon. A. J . B A L F O U R , O . M . , M . P .
Hon. Lord
The
Right
Minister of Munitions.
T h e R i g h t H o n . t h e Viscount M I L N E E ,
G . C . B . , G . C . M . G . , S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e
for t h e Colonies.
The Right Hon. G . H .
Food Controller.
T h e R i g h t H o n . E. S H O R T T ,
K.C., M . P . ,
Secretary of S t a t e for H o m e Affairs.
T h e R i g h t H o n . H . A. L. F I S H E R , L L . D . ,
M . P . , President, Board of E d u c a t i o n .
T h e R i g h t H o n . J . I: M A C P H E E S O N , K . C . ,
M . P . , Chief Secretary for Ireland.
T h e R i g h t H o n R. M U N R O , K . C . , M . P . ,
S e c r e t a r y for Scotland.
T h e R i g h t Hon. A. H . I L L I N G W O B T H , M . P . ,
Postmaster-General.
The R i g h t H o n . Sir J . M A O L A Y ,
S h i p p i n g Controller.
Bart.,
ROBERTS,
M.P.,
T h e R i g h t H o n . C. A D D I S O N , M . D . , M . P . ,
Minister of H e a l t h .
The R i g h t H o n . t h e Lord L E E O F F A R E H A M ,
G . B . E . , K . C . B . , President, Board of
A g r i c u l t u r e a n d Fisheries.
The R i g h t H o n . Sir A. C. G E D D E S , K . C . B . ,
M.P., P r e s i d e n t , Board of T r a d e .
The R i g h t H o n . Sir, L. W O R T H I N G T O N E V A N S , Bart., M.P., Minister of Pensions.
The
R i g h t H o n . W . S. C H U R C H I L L , M . P . ,
Secretary of S t a t e for W a r .
The R i g h t Hon." Lord E D M U N D T A L B O T ,
G . C . V . O . , D.S.O., M . P . , J o i n t P a r l i a m e n t a r y S e c r e t a r y , Treasury.
The R i g h t H o n . Sir A . M O N D , Bart., M . P . ,
F i r s t Commissioner of W o r k s a n d Public
Buildings.
Captain
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir ,G. H E W ART, K . C . ,
M . P . , Attorney-General.
Sir J O H N
The
Hon.
FREDERICK.
D.S.O., M . P . , J o i n t
Secretary, Treasury.
GUEST,
Parliamentary
CADMAN, K.C.M.G., Petroleum
E x e c u t i v e C o m m i t t e e (for conclusion).
Lieutenant-Colonel S i r M. P . A . H A N K E Y , G . C . B . ,
Secretary.
Mr. P . W I C K S , Assistant
Secretary.
Captain L. F . B U R G I S , Assistant
Secretary.
M:r. G. M. E V A N S , Assistant
[1209]
INVERFORTH,
Secretary
B
Visit of President
Poineare^ and the
Shah of Persia.
1. T h e W a r C a b i n e t , a t t h e s u g g e s t i o n of t h e A c t i n g S e c r e t a r y
of S t a t e for F o r e i g n Affairs, authorised—-
Return of
Mr. Balfour.
2 . T h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r welcomed M r . B a l f o u r on h i s first
a p p e a r a n c e a t t h e W a r C a b i n e t a f t e r h i s p r o l o n g e d absence a t t h e
Peace Conference.
On behalf of t h e G o v e r n m e n t he t h a n k e d
M r . B a l f o u r for h i s a r d u o u s a n d successful services to t h e c o u n t r y
while in P a r i s .
Payment of
Royalties on Oil.
3 . W i t h r e f e r e n c e t o W a r C a b i n e t 803, M i n u t e 4, t h e W a r
C a b i n e t , a g a i n discussed t h e q u e s t i o n of t h e o w n e r s h i p of
p e t r o l e u m p r o d u c e d i n t h e U n i t e d K i n g d o m , w h i c h w a s t o be
r a i s e d by a q u e s t i o n i n P a r l i a m e n t as t o w h e t h e r t h e G o v e r n m e n t
h a d come to a decision a s to t h e p a y m e n t of r o y a l t i e s on oil d i s ­
oovered i n D e r b y s h i r e .
I n view of t h e g r e a t difficulty of assessing t h e r o y a l t y t o be
p a i d , o w i n g to t h e fluidity of oil, which, t h o u g h discovered on one
p r o p e r t y , m i g h t e m a n a t e f r o m or be t a p p e d o n a n o t h e r p r o p e r t y ,
a n d i n view of t h e fact t h a t t h e sale of p r o p e r t y o n w h i c h oil w a s
discovered m i g h t have been t r a n s a c t e d w i t h o u t t h e p o s s i b i l i t y of
i t s presence e n t e r i n g i n t o t h e p u r c h a s e - p r i c e , t h e W a r C a b i n e t
d e c i d e d that-—
L. F. B.
G. M. E.
T h e F i r s t Commissioner of W o r k s to utilise, for t h e d e c o r a ­
t i o n of t h e s t r e e t s d u r i n g t h e f o r t h c o m i n g v i s i t of P r e s i ­
d e n t P o i n c a r e a n d t h e S h a h of P e r s i a , so m u c h as m i g h t
prove necessary of t h e r e s i d u e of t h e a m o u n t s a l l o t t e d for
t h e d e c o r a t i o n of L o n d o n d u r i n g t h e P e a c e C e l e b r a t i o n s ­
(a.) T h e o w n e r s h i p of all oil from b o r i n g s i n t h e U n i t e d
K i n g d o m should be vested solely i n t h e S t a t e , a n d n o
c o m p e n s a t i o n s h o u l d be p a i d to o w n e r s of o i l - b e a r i n g
p r o p e r t y from t h e oil itself.
(&.).. C o m p e n s a t i o n should only be p a i d i n r e s p e c t of d i s ­
t u r b a n c e of p r o p e r t y a n d loss of a m e n i t y c a u s e d by t h e
w o r k i n g of t h e wells.
T h e W a r C a b i n e t f u r t h e r decided t h a t —
T h e M i n i s t e r of M u n i t i o n s , i n c o n s u l t a t i o n w i t h t h e P a r l i a ­
m e n t a r y D r a u g h t s m a n , should p r e p a r e a Bill, for e a r l y
i n t r o d u c t i o n i n P a r l i a m e n t , c a r r y i n g o u t t h e above
decisions.
T h e Chancellor of t h e E x c h e q u e r r a i s e d t h e q u e s t i o n a s t o
w h e t h e r i t w a s desirable, i n v i e w of t h e fact t h a t t h e G o v e r n m e n t
h a d a l r e a d y s p e n t 800,000Z. on e x p e r i m e n t i n g for oil a n d t h a t
only one a c t u a l o i l - p r o d u c i n g well h a d yet been discovered, to d i s ­
continue the operations.
S i r J o h n C a d m a n , however, w a s able to give l a t e r i n f o r m a t i o n
of a m o r e f a v o u r a b l e k i n d , a n d s t a t e d t h a t M e s s r s . P e a r s o n w e r e
p r e p a r e d to t a k e over t h e whole of t h e o p e r a t i o n s f r o m t h e G o v e r n ­
m e n t , p r o v i d e d t h e q u e s t i o n of r o y a l t i e s w a s s a t i s f a c t o r i l y s e t t l e d
f r o m t h e i r p o i n t of view, a n d t o recompense t h e G o v e r n m e n t for
expenditure already incurred.
T h e Chancellor of t h e E x c h e q u e r t h e n w i t h d r e w h i s p r o p o s a l .
Aliens Restriction
Bill.
Pilotage Certificate,
Hi
4. T h e W a r C a b i n e t h a d u n d e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n a M e m o r a n d u m
b y t h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e B o a r d of T r a d e ( P a p e r G . T . - 8 3 7 8 ) , i n
w h i c h i t w a s s t a t e d t h a t a clause h a d been i n s e r t e d i n C o m m i t t e e
i n t h e A l i e n s R e s t r i c t i o n B i l l t o t h e effect t h a t no a l i e n shall h o l d
a p i l o t a g e certificate for a n y p o r t i n t h e U n i t e d K i n g d o m .
It
w a s f u r t h e r p o i n t e d o u t t h a t t h e clause is i n d i r e c t c o n t r a d i c t i o n
to t h e A n g l o - F r e n c h C o n v e n t i o n , to w h i c h effect is g i v e n in
3
WC 633
S e c t i o n 2 4 of t h e P i l o t a g e A c t , 1913, u n d e r which p r o v i s i o n i s
made—
" (i.) F o r t h e r e n e w a l of p i l o t a g e certificates g r a n t e d
before the 1st of J u n e , 1906, to a n alien m a s t e r or m a t e .
" (ii.) F o r t h e g r a n t i n g of fresh certificates i n cases w h e r e
a n a l i e n m a s t e r or m a t e shows, t o t h e s a t i s f a c t i o n of t h e
B o a r d of T r a d e , t h a t he is a m a s t e r or m a t e of a s h i p w h i c h
is of s u b s t a n t i a l l y t h e same class a n d t r a d i n g r e g u l a r l y
between t h e same p o r t s as a f o r e i g n s h i p which on t h e 1st of
J u n e , 1906, w a s e x e m p t from t h e o b l i g a t i o n of c a r r y i n g a
licensed p i l o t or h a d h a b i t u a l l y been piloted by a m a s t e r or
m a t e of a s h i p who held a p i l o t a g e certificate. I n such cases
t h e B o a r d of T r a d e m a y a u t h o r i s e a m a s t e r or m a t e t o a p p l y
t o a P i l o t a g e A u t h o r i t y for a p i l o t a g e c e r t i f i c a t e . "
\
T h e W a r C a b i n e t decided t h a t —
T h e clause of the A l i e n s R e s t r i c t i o n B i l l r e f e r r e d t o above
should be modified by m a k i n g i t s a p p l i c a t i o n subject t o
t h e provisions of Section 24 of t h e P i l o t a g e A c t ,
and requested—
T h e H o m e S e c r e t a r y to t a k e t h e necessary steps t o c a r r y t h i s
decision i n t o effect.
Employment of
Aliens on Merchant
Ships.
A t t e n t i o n w a s also d r a w n to t h e f a c t t h a t t h e f o l l o w i n g
clause w a s i n s e r t e d i n t h e A l i e n s R e s t r i c t i o n B i l l i n C o m m i t t e e : —
" No a l i e n shall act a s m a s t e r , chief officer, or chief
e n g i n e e r of a B r i t i s h m e r c h a n t s h i p r e g i s t e r e d i n t h e U n i t e d
K i n g d o m , e x c e p t i n t h e case of a s h i p employed e n t i r e l y i n
t r a d e between p a r t s of t h e w o r l d o u t s i d e t h e B r i t i s h
Empire,"
a n d t h a t L i e u t e n a n t - C o m m a n d e r K e n w o r t h y w o u l d move a m e n d ­
m e n t s t h e r e t o w h i c h would m a k e t h e clause r e a d as follows :—
" No a l i e n shall act as m a s t e r , officer, or engineer, or as
. member of a crew of a B r i t i s h m e r c h a n t s h i p r e g i s t e r e d i n t h e
U n i t e d K i n g d o m , except i n t h e case of a s h i p e m p l o y e d
e n t i r e l y i n t r a d e between p a r t s of t h e w o r l d o u t of t h e B r i t i s h
E m p i r e , provided
that for a period of three years from
the
date of the passing of this Act an alien may act as member
of the crew of 'a British
merchant
ship
registered
in the
United Kingdom
should no British seafarers be
available."
The Home Secretary reported t h a t the A d m i r a l t y urged t h a t
t h e p r o h i b i t i o n should a p p l y a t a n y r a t e t o aliens a c t i n g a s
. masters.
A f t e r some discussion, i n t h e course of which t h e S h i p p i n g
C o n t r o l l e r u r g e d t h a t t h e G o v e r n m e n t should press for t h e d e l e t i o n
of t h e whole clause w h e n t h e B i l l w a s discussed a t t h e T h i r d
R e a d i n g , t h e W a r C a b i n e t decided t h a t —
The
clause be so a m e n d e d t h a t
t h e r e b y should a p p l y only to
a n d t h a t t h e p r o v i s i o n s *of t h e
case a p p l y to aliens who a r e a t
i n B r i t i s h ships.
the restrictions imposed
aliens a c t i n g a s m a s t e r s ,
clause should n o t i n a n y
present acting as masters
Decisions of the
Cabinet Finance
Committee.
Attitude of the
Japanese Fleet in
Australian Waters.
5. T h e W a r C a b i n e t took n o t e of a n d a p p r o v e d t h e f o l l o w i n g
e x t r a c t from t h e M i n u t e s of t h e . 9 t h M e e t i n g of t h e C a b i n e t
Finance Committee :—
" T h e F i r s t L o r d of t h e A d m i r a l t y r e a d to t h e C o m m i t t e e
a t e l e g r a m , dated, t h e 15th October, from t h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r
of A u s t r a l i a , a s k i n g for t h e i m m e d i a t e d e s p a t c h of a B r i t i s h
s q u a d r o n to t h e Pacific. T h e t e l e g r a m s t a t e d t h a t , o w i n g to­
t h e i m m o b i l i t y of t h e A u s t r a l i a n N a v y t h r o u g h lack of fuel,
t h e A u s t r a l i a n G o v e r n m e n t w e r e a p p r e h e n s i v e of a n a g g r e s ­
sive a t t i t u d e o n t h e p a r t of t h e J a p a n e s e F l e e t i n those
waters.
The Committee decided—
-
To a p p r o v e t h e r e f u s a l of t h e F i r s t L o r d t o send a s q u a d r o n
to t h e Pacific, a n d t o a u t h o r i s e h i m to r e p l y t o t h e
Australian Government t h a t the Cabinet had considered
t h e m a t t e r a n d w e r e of t h e same o p i n i o n as h a d a l r e a d y
been e x p r e s s e d by t h e F i r s t L o r d of t h e A d m i r a l t y o n t h e
15th October i n r e p l y to a p r e v i o u s t e l e g r a m from t h e
A u s t r a l i a n P r i m e M i n i s t e r on t h e 7 t h O c t o b e r . "
Assistance to
Poland.
6. W i t h reference to W a r C a b i n e t 631, M i n u t e 4, t h e W a r
C a b i n e t took note of a n d a p p r o v e d t h e following conclusion of
t h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r s C a b i n e t F i n a n c e C o m m i t t e e (10th M e e t i n g ,
M i n u t e 1) :—
" I n view of t h e heavy c o n t r i b u t i o n w h i c h t h e B r i t i s h
G o v e r n m e n t h a d g i v e n t o G e n e r a l D e n i k i n , a s p a r t of a n
a r r a n g e m e n t u n d e r w h i c h t h e F r e n c h were to u n d e r t a k e t h e
m a i n r e s p o n s i b i l i t y for h e l p i n g P o l a n d , t h e C a b i n e t Com­
m i t t e e decided t h a t —
" A n y assistance w h i c h i t m i g h t be possible for t h e W a r
Office t o give t o P o l a n d should form a c o n t r i b u t i o n t o a n
A l l i e d effort, a n d n o t be a n i n d e p e n d e n t c o n t r i b u t i o n . "
Eeturn of General
Rawlinson.
7. T h e W a r C a b i n e t took note of t h e following e x t r a c t from
t h e M i n u t e s of the 1 0 t h M e e t i n g of t h e F i n a n c e C o m m i t t e e (10th
M e e t i n g , M i n u t e 7) : —
" T h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r , on behalf of t h e W a r C a b i n e t ,
welcomed G e n e r a l R a w l i n s o n on h i s safe r e t u r n from N o r t h
R u s s i a , a n d t h a n k e d a n d c o n g r a t u l a t e d h i m on h i s successful
conduct of t h e difficult a n d c r i t i c a l o p e r a t i o n of w i t h d r a w a l
from N o r t h R u s s i a , a n d on t h e firmness a n d t a c t w h i c h he
h a d d i s p l a y e d . T h i s o p e r a t i o n h a d been a cause of consider­
able p r e o c c u p a t i o n a n d a n x i e t y , b o t h i n s i d e a n d o u t s i d e t h e
Government,''
Despatch of a Food
Ship and Food to
Murmansk.
8. T h e W a r C a b i n e t took n o t e of a n d a p p r o v e d t h e following
e x t r a c t from t h e M i n u t e s of t h e 10th M e e t i n g of t h e P r i m e
M i n i s t e r s C a b i n e t F i n a n c e C o m m i t t e e (10th M e e t i n g , M i n u t e
7) : ­
0")
. ^u-U­
" G e n e r a l R a w l i n s o n a d v i s e d t h a t a s h i p l o a d of f o o d —
5,000 or 6,000 t o n s — s h o u l d be sent to M u r m a n s k a b o u t
C h r i s t m a s , i n a d d i t i o n to s u p p l i e s a l r e a d y sent.
H e also­
u r g e d t h a t a m a n - o f - w a r should be sent t o v i s i t M u r m a n s k
once or t w i c e d u r i n g t h e w i n t e r , for t h e p u r p o s e of m o r a l
encouragement.
" T h e Chancellor of t h e E x c h e q u e r s t a t e d h i s i m p r e s s i o n
t h a t a sufficient s u p p l y of foodstuffs h a d been s a n c t i o n e d t o
carry Murmansk through the winter.
WG 6 3 3
5
" T h e C a b i n e t C o m m i t t e e decided t h a t —
" (a.) T h e S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for W a r s h o u l d m a k e e n q u i r i e s
as t o t h e p o s s i b i l i t y of s e n d i n g a s h i p l o a d of food­
stuffs to M u r m a n s k from t h e a r e a occupied b y
General Denikin.
" (&.) T h e S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for W a r should c o m m u n i c a t e
w i t h t h e F i r s t L o r d of t h e A d m i r a l t y i n r e g a r d t o
t h e v i s i t of a w a r s h i p to M u r m a n s k . "
2 , Whitehall
October
Gardens,
22, 1919.
S.W.1,
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
October
1919.
SECRET.
1 /I ft
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET
634.
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet held at 10, Downing
on Thursday, October 2 3 , 1919, at 11.30 A.M.
Street,
S.W.,
Present:
The P R I M E M I N I S T E R (in the
T h e R i g h t Hon. A. B O N A R L A W , M . P .
The R i g h t H o n . A. C H A M B E R L A I N , M . P .
Chair)
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir E . G E D D E S , G . C . B . ,
G.B.E.,
M.P.
The following were also present
T h e R i g h t Hon. W . LONG, M . P . , F i r s t
Lord of t h e Admiralty.
The Right Hon. Lord BIRKENHEAD, the
L o r d Chancellor.
T h e R i g h t H o n . W . S. C H U R C H I L L , M . P . ,
Field-Marshal t h e R i g h t H o n . t h e Viscount
Secretary of S t a t e for W a r .
F R E N C H O P Y P R E S , K . P . , G.C.B., O . M . ,
T h e R i g h t H o n . E . S . SHORTT, K . C . , M . P . ,
Secretary of S t a t e for H o m e Affairs.
T h e R i g h t Hon. Sir A. C. G E D D E S , K . C . B . ,
M . P . , President of t h e Board of Trade.
The R i g h t H o n . H . A. L. F I S H E R , L L . D . ,
M.P., President of t h e Board of E d u c a ­
tion.
T h e R i g h t Hon. C. ADDISON, M . D . , M , P . ,
Minister of H e a l t h .
G.C.V.O., K.C.M.G., L o r d - L i e u t e n a n t of
Ireland.
The Right H o n . J . I . MACPHERSON, M . P . ,
Chief Secretary for Ireland.
The R i g h t Hon. R. M U N R O , K.C., M . P . ,
S e c r e t a r y for Scotland.
T h e R i g h t H o n . Lord L E E OE F A R E H A M ,
G . B . E . , K.C.B., P r e s i d e n t of t h e B o a r d
of Agriculture a n d Fisheries.
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir L . W O R T H I N G T O N
E V A N S , Bart., M . P . , Minister of P e n ­
sions.
-
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir J . MA.CLAY, Bart.,
Shipping Controller.
The Right
Hon. G . H.
ROBERTS,
M.P.,
Food Controller.
Hon. Lord
The
Right
Minister of Munitions.
INVEREORTH,
T h e R i g h t Hon.- Sir R. S. H O R N E , K . B . E . ,
K . C . , M . P . , Minister of Labour.
The R i g h t H o n . Sir A. M O N D , B a r t . , M . P . ,
F i r s t Commissioner of W o r k s .
The Right Hon. A. H . ILLINGWORTH, M . P . ,
Postmaster-General.
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir M . P . A . H A N K E Y , G.C.B.,
Mr. G . M. E V A N S , Assistant
Secretary.
Lieutenant-Colonel L. STORR, C.B., Assistant
Mr. T . St. Q . H I L L , Assistant
Secretary.
Secretary.
Secretary.
Combines Bill and
Imports and
Exports Begulation
Bill.
1. T h e W a r C a b i n e t h a d
ments :
(a.) M e m o r a n d u m b y
covering D r a f t
M e m o r a n d u m by
G.T.-8358).
(b.) M e m o r a n d u m b y
covering D r a f t
before t h e m t h e following docu-
t h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e B o a r d of T r a d e ,
Bill ( P a p e r G.T.-8328).
t h e M i n i s t e r of T r a n s p o r t ( P a p e r
t h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e B o a r d of T r a d e ,
Bill ( P a p e r G.T.-8329).
The W a r Cabinet decided t h a t —
T h e Combines B i l l a n d t h e I m p o r t s a n d E x p o r t s R e g u l a t i o n
B i l l should be r e f e r r e d for e x a m i n a t i o n t o t h e same Com­
m i t t e e w h i c h h a d a d v i s e d t h e C a b i n e t i n A u g u s t on t h e
q u e s t i o n of g e n e r a l policy, which w a s composed a s
follows —Sir Auckland Geddes
(Chairman).
Mr. Barnes.
Lord Milner.
Mr. Churchill.
Sir Robert H o m e .
M r . H . A . L. Fisher.
Sir Alfred Mond.
Sir L. Worthington-Evans.
Water Power Bill.
Lk ^
1
-
2. T h e W a r C a b i n e t h a d u n d e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n a d r a f t of t h e
W a t e r P o w e r B i l l , p r e p a r e d i n t h e B o a r d of T r a d e ( P a p e r G . T . ­
8330), t o g e t h e r w i t h a N o t e by t h e Chancellor of t h e E x c h e q u e r
( P a p e r G . T . - 8 3 4 5 ) , a M e m o r a n d u m by t h e M i n i s t e r of T r a n s p o r t
( P a p e r G . T . - 8 3 5 7 ) , a n d a M e m o r a n d u m by t h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e
B o a r d of A g r i c u l t u r e a n d F i s h e r i e s ( P a p e r G . T . - 8 3 7 3 ) .
T h e B i l l w a s c r i t i c i s e d o n t h e following g r o u n d s :—
(a'.) T h a t C l a u s e 2 (1) (a) g a v e t h e B o a r d of T r a d e power to
c a r r y o u t schemes for t h e development of a n y source
of w a t e r p o w e r , a n d to c o n s t r u c t w o r k s for t h e
purpose^—a p r o v i s i o n which, i n the- o p i n i o n of t h e
Chancellor of t h e E x c h e q u e r , would a r o u s e c r i t i c i s m ,
a s i t w o u l d involve a financial resolution a n d w o u l d
t h r o w open p o s s i b i l i t i e s of u n l i m i t e d e x p e n d i t u r e .
(b.) T h a t t h e p r o v i s i o n s of t h e B i l l w e r e a l r e a d y covered by
t h e E l e c t r i c i t y ( S u p p l y ) B i l l , a n d , i n t h e o p i n i o n of t h e
M i n i s t e r of T r a n s p o r t , these p r o v i s i o n s should be
incorporated in t h a t Bill.
T h e W a r C a b i n e t r e f e r r e d t h e B i l l for e x a m i n a t i o n by t h e
H o m e Affairs C o m m i t t e e .
Importation of
Plumage
(Prohibition) Bill.
3. The W a r Cabinet h a d under consideration a Memorandum
by t h e P r e s i d e n t of t h e B o a r d of T r a d e ( P a p e r G . T . - 8 3 6 3 ) , a n d
decided'
T o r e f e r t h e I m p o r t a t i o n of P l u m a g e ( P r o h i b i t i o n ) Bill for
c o n s i d e r a t i o n by t h e H o m e Affairs C o m m i t t e e .
Gift of Surplus
Warships to the
Dominions.
"4. T h e W a r C a b i n e t h a d before t h e m a M e m o r a n d u m by t h e
A d m i r a l t y ( P a p e r G . T . - 8 3 3 9 ) , r e q u e s t i n g t h e s a n c t i o n of t h e
C a b i n e t t o a p r o p o s a l t h a t t h e A d m i r a l t y should be a u t h o r i s e d t o
offer s u r p l u s w a r s h i p s a s g i f t s t o t h e D o m i n i o n s , i n such cases a s
t h e y t h i n k i t d e s i r a b l e t o do so, i n o r d e r t o assist t h e l a t t e r i n t h e
d e v e l o p m e n t of t h e i r n a v a l forces.
WC 634
3
The W a r Cabinet decided—
T o sanction t h e p r o p o s a l .
Public Meeting
in Hyde Park.
5. T h e W a r C a b i n e t h a d u n d e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n a M e m o r a n d u m .
by t h e F i r s t Commissioner of W o r k s ( P a p e r G . T . - 8 3 0 1 ) , c o v e r i n g
a l e t t e r from t h e Commissioner of M e t r o p o l i t a n P o l i c e r e p r e ­
s e n t i n g t h a t t h e r e w e r e g r a v e objections, i n t h e C o m m i s s i o n e r ^
opinion, from the p o i n t o f v i e w of p u b l i c o r d e r , to t h e c o n t i n u a n c e
of meetings i n H y d e P a r k i n t o t h e h o u r s of d a r k n e s s , a n d s u g ­
gested t h a t t h e r e should be a p p l i e d t o H y d e P a r k a p a r a l l e l
r e s t r i c t i o n t o t h a t a l r e a d y e x i s t i n g i n t h e case of T r a f a l g a r
S q u a r e — t h a t is t o say, t h a t t h e t i m e s of m e e t i n g s s h o u l d be
l i m i t e d to t h e h o u r s between s u n r i s e a n d s u n s e t .
A f t e r a s h o r t discussion, i n t h e course of w h i c h g e n e r a l
a g r e e m e n t w a s e x p r e s s e d w i t h t h e view t h a t t h e r e w a s no special
reason to a p p r e h e n d a n y i n c r e a s e of d i s o r d e r or i m m o r a l i t y , a n d
t h a t a n v i n t e r f e r e n c e w i t h t h e r e c o g n i s e d p r i n c i p l e of free speech
i n the P a r k w a s to be d e p r e c a t e d , t h e W a r C a b i n e t .decided t h a t —
T h e a c t i o n suggested by t h e C o m m i s s i o n e r of
unnecessary.
Cenotaph in
Whitehall.
Police was
6. W i t h reference to W a r C a b i n e t 602, M i n u t e 2, t h e W a r
C a b i n e t h a d before them a M e m o r a n d u m ( P a p e r G . T . - 8 3 3 5 ) by
t h e F i r s t Commissioner of W o r k s , a s k i n g for t h e a p p r o v a l of t h e
C a b i n e t to t h e construction, at a n a p p r o x i m a t e cost of 10,000Z., of
a p e r m a n e n t r e p l i c a of t h e t e m p o r a r y C e n o t a p h i n W h i t e h a l l .
The W a r Cabinet decided—
(a.) To s a n c t i o n t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of a p e r m a n e n t m e m o r i a l ,
t h e work to be p r o c e e d e d w i t h a s soon a s t h e a p p r o v a l
of P a r l i a m e n t for t h e e x p e n d i t u r e by a S u p p l e m e n t a r y
E s t i m a t e h a d been o b t a i n e d .
(6.) T h a t the p e r m a n e n t m e m o r i a l should be a r e p l i c a , e x a c t
i n every detail, of t h e p r e s e n t t e m p o r a r y s t r u c t u r e ,
a n d t h a t t h e r e should be n o a l t e r a t i o n s , a d d i t i o n s , or
fresh i n s c r i p t i o n s .
(c.) T h a t it w a s n o t necessary t o t a k e a n y a c t i o n to d i s ­
c o u n t e n a n c e t h e p l a c i n g of flowers, m e m o r i a l w r e a t h s ,
& c , a r o u n d the C e n o t a p h .
(d.) T h a t the F i r s t Commissioner of W o r k s should e n d e a v o u r
t o a r r a n g e t h a t t h e m e m o r i a l should be m a d e visible by
n i g h t , by m e a n s of l a m p s specially erected for t h e
p u r p o s e on t h e p a v e m e n t s o p p o s i t e .
2, Whitehall
October
Gardens, S.W.
2 3 , 1919.
1,
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
November
1919.
SECRET.
13:
WAR
Conclusions
CABINET
635.
of a Meeting of the War Cabinet, held at 10, Downing
' on Monday, October 27, 1919, at 12 noon.
Street,
S.W.1,
Present:
The P R I M E M I N I S T E R (in the
T h e R i g h t H o n . A. C H A M B E R L A I N , M.P.
Chair).
] T h e R i g h t H o n . A. B O N A R L A W , M . P .
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir E R I C G E D D E S , G . C . B . , G . B . E . , M . P .
T h e following were also present :—
The R i g h t
H o n . A. J . B A L F O U R ,
O.M.,
M.P., Lord P r e s i d e n t of t h e Council.
T h e R i g h t Hon. t h e Viscount M I L N E R ,
G.C.B., G.C.M.G., Secretary of S t a t e
for t h e Colonies (for M i n u t e s 2 t o end).
T h e R i g h t H o n . W . S. C H U R C H I L L , M . P . ,
Secretary of S t a t e for W a r .
Major-General
Sir P .
de B . R A D C L I F F E ,
H o n . G. H . R O B E R T S ,
M.P.,
Food Controller.
Mr.
CECIL
HARMSWORTH,
M.P.,
Secretary of S t a t e for H o m e Affairs (for
Minutes 8 to end).
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir A. C. G E D D E S , K . C . B . ,
M . P . , President, Board of Trade (for
Minutes 2 t o end).
T h e R i g h t Hon. C. A D D I S O N , M.D., M . P . ,
K . C . M . G . , C . B . , D.S.O., Director of
Military Operations, W a r Office (for
M i n u t e s 1 t o 4);
The R i g h t
T h e R i g h t H o n . E. S. SHORTT, K G , M . P . ,
Parlia-
m e n t a r y U n d e r - Secretary of S t a t e ,
Foreign Office (for Minutes 1 t o 4).
Mr. G. J . K I D S T O N , C . M . G . , Foreign Office
(for Minutes 1 t o 4).
L i e u t e n a n t - G e n e r a l Sir A. S. C O B B , I n d i a
Office (for M i n u t e s 1 t o 4).
Sir H . P R I M R O S E , Sugar Commission (for
M i n u t e s 5, 6, a n d 7).
Minister of H e a l t h (for Minutes 2 to
end).
T h e R i g h t H o n . t h e Lord L E E O F F A S E H A M ,
G . B . E . , K.C.B., P r e s i d e n t , B o a r d of
A g r i c u l t u r e a n d Fisheries (for M i n u t e s 5
to e n d ) .
T h e R i g h t H o n . t h e Lord T N V E R F O R T H ,
Minister of Munitions (for M i n u t e 9).
T h e R i g h t H o n . Sir R . S. H O R N E , K . B . E . ,
K.C., M . P . , Minister of Labour (for
Minutes 5 t o end).
T h e R i g h t H o n . R. M U N R O , K . C . , M . P . ,
Secretary for Scotland (for M i n u t e s 5 t o
end.)
T h e R i g h t H o n . t h e E a r l of LYTTON, Civil
L o r d of t h e A d m i r a l t y (for M i n u t e 9).
Lieutenant-Colonel S i r M . P . A. H A N K E Y , G.C.B.,
C a p t a i n L . F . B U R G I S , Assistant
Secretary.
Secretary.
Brigadier-General S. H . W I L S O N , C.B., C.M.G., Assistant
Lieutenant-Colonel L . STORR, C.B., Assistant
M r . P E M B R O K E W I C K S , Assistant
Secretary.
Secretary:
Secretary.
The Official
History of the
War.
Mr. Forteseue's
Article.
1. T h e a t t e n t i o n of t h e W a r C a b i n e t w a s d r a w n to a n a r t i c l e
i n " T h e Q u a r t e r l y E e v i e w " of October 1919, by t h e H o n . J . W .
F o r t e s c u e , e n t i t l e d " L o r d Frenches 1 9 1 4 . " I t w a s p o i n t e d o u t
t h a t M r . J o h n F o r t e s c u e is t h e Official H i s t o r i a n for t h e F i r s t
V o l u m e of t h e M i l i t a r y H i s t o r y , a n d is in r e c e i p t of a s a l a r y f r o m
t h e G o v e r n m e n t for t h i s p u r p o s e . T h e p u b l i c a t i o n of t h i s a r t i c l e ,
on t h e very p e r i o d w i t h w h i c h h i s official book deals, m u s t n o t only
i m p a i r t h e i m p a r t i a l i t y of t h e Official H i s t o r y , b u t is also a serious
b r e a c h of d i s c i p l i n e a n d good f a i t h .
I n these c i r c u m s t a n c e s t h e W a r C a b i n e t i n s t r u c t e d t h e
Secretary— .
(a.) To i n f o r m M r . F o r t e s c u e t h a t h i s services w o u l d be
dispensed with.
(&.) T o a s c e r t a i n w i t h w h o m r e s t s t h e p r o p e r t y in t h e
completed p o r t i o n of M r . F o r t e s c u e ' s w o r k .
British Claims for
Reparation under
the Peace Treaty.
2. W i t h r e f e r e n c e t o W a r C a b i n e t P a p e r F . C . - 1 1 , t h e W a r .
C a b i n e t decided t h a t —
Military Policy in
Asia Minor.
3 . W i t h reference to W a r C a b i n e t 630, M i n u t e 10, t h e W a r
C a b i n e t h a d before t h e m t w o M e m o r a n d a by t h e S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e
for W a r ( P a p e r s G . T . - 8 2 9 2 a n d G . T . - 8 3 9 6 ) .
A f t e r t h e S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for W a r h a d e x p l a i n e d t h e r e s u l t
of a discussion w h i c h he h a d h a d w i t h M . Venizelos i n connection
w i t h t h e g e n e r a l s i t u a t i o n i n A s i a M i n o r , a s h o r t discussion
ensued r e g a r d i n g t h e steps w h i c h h a d been t a k e n to a s c e r t a i n
w h e t h e r P r e s i d e n t W i l s o n w o u l d r e g a r d it a s a m a t t e r of offence
if t h e T u r k i s h s i t u a t i o n w e r e to be discussed i n L o n d o n d u r i n g h i s
illness.
The W a r Cabinet decided—
T h e F i n a n c e C o m m i t t e e of t h e C a b i n e t , t o g e t h e r w i t h M r .
B a l f o u r , L o r d C u r z o n , L o r d Cunliffe, L o r d S u m n e r , S i r
J o h n B r a d b u r y , a n d S i r W a r r e n F i s h e r , should meet on
t h e following d a y to consider t h e p r o c e d u r e to be followed
in r e g a r d to t h e B r i t i s h c l a i m s for r e p a r a t i o n from
Germany.
T o a d j o u r n t h e f u r t h e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n of t h e question, p e n d i n g
t h e r e c e i p t of a r e p l y from W a s h i n g t o n to a t e l e g r a m on
t h i s subject w h i c h h a d been sent by t h e S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e
for F o r e i g n Affairs.
Russia.
Assistance to
General Denikin.
. . .
OA
^
o
4 . W i t h r e f e r e n c e to W a r C a b i n e t 628, M i n u t e 5, t h e
Chancellor of t h e E x c h e q u e r called t h e a t t e n t i o n of t h e W a r
Cabinet to the fact that, in the Revised Estimates presented to
P a r l i a m e n t , he h a d d e c i d e d n o t t o t a k e c r e d i t for t h e s u p p l i e s
, g i v e n to G e n e r a l D e n i k i n , a s h e considered i t a d v i s a b l e t o k e e p
t h e l i a b i l i t i e s of t h e old R u s s i a n G o v e r n m e n t s e p a r a t e from a n y
l i a b i l i t i e s u n d e r t a k e n by G e n e r a l D e n i k i n .
A f t e r a s h o r t discussion, d u r i n g w h i c h t h e S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e
f
W a r p o i n t e d o u t t h a t t h e g r e a t e s t care w a s b e i n g t a k e n on b o t h
sides t o keep complete r e c o r d s of G e n e r a l D e n i k i n ' s ' l i a b i l i t i e s —
or
T h e W a r C a b i n e t a p p r o v e d t h e course t a k e n by t h e Chancellor;
of t h e E x c h e q u e r .
3
W.C. 635.
5. T h e W a r C a b i n e t h a d before t h e m t h e M e m o r a n d a by t h e
Food C o n t r o l l e r ( P a p e r G . T . - 8 3 8 2 ) a n d by t h e Chancellor of t h e
E x c h e q u e r ( P a p e r G . T . - 8 3 9 1 ) on t h e subject of t h e p r i c e a n d
s u p p l y of s u g a r .
T h e W a r C a b i n e t took n o t e of t h e f a c t t h a t t h e F o o d
Controller h a d r e d u c e d t h e s u g a r r a t i o n t o 8 oz. p e r h e a d p e r week,
a n d t h a t he p r o p o s e d f u r t h e r to r e d u c e t h e allocation t o
m a n u f a c t u r e r s by 25 p e r cent.
I n view of t h e r e p r e s e n t a t i o n s m a d e by t h e F o o d Controller,
t h a t t h e p r i v a t e i m p o r t a t i o n of s u g a r side by side w i t h G o v e r n m e n t
p u r c h a s e s t e n d s u n d u l y to inflate t h e p r i c e in f o r e i g n m a r k e t s , t h e
W a r C a b i n e t decided-—
T o a p p r o v e t h e p r o p o s a l of t h e F o o d C o n t r o l l e r to issue a n
O r d e r p r o h i b i t i n g dealers from t a k i n g delivery of a n y
s u g a r i m p o r t e d i n t o t h i s c o u n t r y on p r i v a t e account a f t e r
t h e 1st J a n u a r y , 1920.
T h e p r o p o s a l , m a d e b y t h e C h a i r m a n of t h e S u g a r C o m m i s ­
sion, to i n c r e a s e t h e r e t a i l p r i c e of s u g a r , w a s p o s t p o n e d
for f u r t h e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n u n t i l t h e m a t t e r h a d been
e x a m i n e d by t h e F i n a n c e C o m m i t t e e i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h
t h e prices of o t h e r foodstuffs.
6. A r i s i n g o u t of t h e discussion on s u g a r , t h e W a r C a b i n e t
s h o r t l y considered t h e subject of the p r i c e of b r e a d . I t t r a n s p i r e d
t h a t n o t only w a s i m p o r t e d w h e a t b o u g h t a t p r i c e s considerably
above those p a i d for h o m e - g r o w n p r o d u c e , b u t t h a t w h e a t w a s
b e i n g i m p o r t e d a t B l u e - B o o k r a t e s , w h i c h w e r e so low t h a t t h e y
d i d n o t p a y t h e cost of r u n n i n g t h e w h e a t s h i p s . F r e i g h t s w e r e ,
t h e r e f o r e , subsidised by t h e S h i p p i n g C o n t r o l l e r , a n d t h i s s u b s i d y
o u g h t to be i n c l u d e d i n o r d e r t o o b t a i n t h e complete t o t a l of t h e
w h e a t subsidy.
The W a r Cabinet decided—
(a.) T o i n v i t e t h e F o o d Controller to c i r c u l a t e a M e m o r a n d u m
g i v i n g full p a r t i c u l a r s as to t h e financial effect of t h e
t r a n s a c t i o n s of t h e M i n i s t r y of F o o d in v a r i o u s
commodities, i n c l u d i n g a s t a t e m e n t of his different
t r a d i n g a c c o u n t s , showing, i n p a r t i c u l a r , w h e r e h e is
p a y i n g h i s w a y o u t of profits a n d w h e r e h e is c o n s u m i n g
his capital.
(6.) To r e q u e s t t h e Food Controller to p r e p a r e a s t a t e m e n t
showing—
(1.) T h e cost a n d t h e p r o p o r t i o n of t h e s u p p l i e s
o b t a i n e d from A m e r i c a , A u s t r a l a s i a , a n d t h e
U n i t e d K i n g d o m , a n d t h e p r o p o r t i o n of t h e cost
representing freight.
(2.) T h e p r o s p e c t s of a n y r e d u c t i o n n e x t y e a r o w i n g t o
p r o b a b l e r e d u c t i o n of f r e i g h t s o r . t h e p r o v i s i o n
of i m p r o v e d s h i p p i n g f a c i l i t i e s .
7. T h e W a r C a b i n e t also s h o r t l y considered t h e q u e s t i o n of
p r i c e s p a i d for h o m e - g r o w n m e a t i n r e l a t i o n t o t h e cost of i m p o r t e d
meat.
The W a r Cabinet decided—
T o r e m i t t h e w h o l e q u e s t i o n of food p r i c e s a n d Government,
subsidies on foodstuffs to t h e F i n a n c e C o m m i t t e e for
consideration.
Citizen Guards.
\
\
it^^
v
8. W i t h reference to W a r C a b i n e t 628, M i n u t e 6, t h e W a r
C a b i n e t h a d u n d e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n a M e m o r a n d u m by t h e H o m e
S e c r e t a r y ( P a p e r G . T . - 8 3 9 4 ) o n t h e q u e s t i o n of t h e f o r m a t i o n
of C i t i z e n G u a r d s , w h i c h s t a t e d t h a t , w i t h one or t w o e x c e p t i o n s ,
i t w a s t h e u n a n i m o u s o p i n i o n of t h e a u t h o r i t i e s concerned t h a t t h e
d e s i r e d objects could best be o b t a i n e d by r e l i n q u i s h i n g t h e i d e a
of C i t i z e n G u a r d s a n d b y e x p a n d i n g a n d s t r e n g t h e n i n g t h e
S p e c i a l C o n s t a b u l a r y i n s t e a d , so as t o f o r m a n efficient P o l i c e
Reserve.
The W a r Cabinet decided—
To r e m i t t h e question t o the S u p p l y a n d T r a n s p o r t C o m m i t t e e
for c o n s i d e r a t i o n in t h e first i n s t a n c e .
Control of Official
Motor-cars.
9. W i t h reference to W a r C a b i n e t 615, M i n u t e 2, t h e W a r
C a b i n e t h a d before t h e m a M e m o r a n d u m by t h e Chancellor of t h e
. E x c h e q u e r ( P a p e r G . T . - 8 3 8 1 ) o n t h e u s e of G o v e r n m e n t m o t o r ­
c a r s , a n d r e c o m m e n d i n g the e s t a b l i s h m e n t of a common pool a n d a
c e n t r a l i s e d control for the following r e a s o n s :—
(1.)
'
\
\
I
A s long a s c a r s a r e allocated t o p a r t i c u l a r D e p a r t m e n t s
t h e s e p a r a t e reserves of c a r s m u s t necessarily be l a r g e r
t h a n t h e single reserve, w h i c h w i l l be all t h a t w a s
necessary if all c a r s w e r e pooled :
(2.) A s long a s e a c h D e p a r t m e n t r e t a i n i n g c a r s h a s s e p a r a t e
a n d i n d e p e n d e n t control of those c a r s no s t a n d a r d i s a ­
t i o n of t h e c a r in use is possible :
(3.) A s long a s t h e c a r s r e m a i n u n d e r s e p a r a t e D e p a r t m e n t a l
c o n t r o l no c e n t r a l a u t h o r i t y can exercise a n a d e q u a t e
control over t h e i r use, or c o m p a r e t h e e x p e n d i t u r e o n
c a r s by one D e p a r t m e n t
a n d t h a t of
another
Department similarly constituted.
T h e "Secretary of S t a t e for W a r p o i n t e d o u t t h a t , in m o d e r n
c o n d i t i o n s , m o t o r - c a r s w e r e r e a l l y j u s t as m u c h a p a r t of ' t h e
e q u i p m e n t of t h e A r m y a s w e r e rifles a n d bayonets, a n d h e
p r o t e s t e d s t r o n g l y a g a i n s t c a r s b e l o n g i n g to t h e F i g h t i n g Services
b e i n g p l a c e d u n d e r t h e control of a C i v i l D e p a r t m e n t .
He
u n d e r t o o k t o s t a t e a case on p a p e r in t h e course of t h e n e x t few
days.
The W a r Cabinet decided—
(a.) T o a p p r o v e t h e p r o p o s a l s of t h e Chancellor of t h e
E x c h e q u e r in r e g a r d t o t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t of a common
pool a n d c e n t r a l i s e d c o n t r o l of G o v e r n m e n t m o t o r ­
c a r s , b o t h in L o n d o n a n d i n t h e provinces, in t h e case
of D e p a r t m e n t s o t h e r t h a n t h e F i g h t i n g Services.
(6.) T h a t t h e D e p a r t m e n t r e s p o n s i b l e for t h e pool a n d c o n t r o l
should be t h e M i n i s t r y of T r a n s p o r t .
(c.) T o reserve t h e i r decision, i n t h e case of t h e F i g h t i n g
Services, u n t i l t h e S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for W a r h a d
*
f u r n i s h e d a M e m o r a n d u m o n t h e subject a n d t h e ' F i r s t
L o r d of t h e A d m i r a l t y could be p r e s e n t .
2, Whitehall
Gardens, S.W.
October 27, 1919.
1,
o
Printed
for the War Cabinet.
November
1919.
SECRET.
WAR CABINET.
1
JL4
SUBJECT INDEX TO CONCLUSIONS OF MEETINGS.
War Cabinet Papers (616 to 635, inclusive).
( A u g u s t 15 to October 27, 1919.)
NOTE.—The numbers of the Conclusions, &c, are printed within parentheses after the number of
the Meeting, e.g., 97 (17 and Appendix II) indicates 97th War Cabinet Paper,
17th Conclusion, and Second Appendix.
A
Accommodation for staffs of Government Departments; Admiralty ; Ministry of Transport 620 (1).
Addison, Dr., memoranda on use of military huts for civilian workers 617 (4).
to decide question of Registrar-GeneraFs Department 624 (4).
Admiralty, civil staff of; request for war bonus refused 630 (1).
Controller^ staff to be moved from Great George Street 620 (1).
,,
memorandum on gift of surplus warships to the Dominions 634 (4).
,,
trawlers and drifters, sale of; memoranda by First Lord of the Admiralty, Chancellor of
the Exciiequer, Secretary for Scotland, and President,Board of Agriculture; purchase
price to be reconsidered 631 (10).
Aerial route from Cairo to Karachi, proposed establishment of; memorandum by Secretary of State
for War and Air; proposals approved subject to certain conditions 629 (5).
Agricultural policy; statement by the Prime Minister 692 (2) ; time for guaranteed minimum price
to be extended; area of arable cultivation to be increased 632 (3); safeguards
against capricious evictions ; arbitration in event of dispute 632 (4) ; State grants
for scientific research to be continued 632 (5); no announcement as to tenants'
right of appeal 632 (6) ; credit facilities for farmers and landlords, but Government
not to be committed to assistance 632 (7); railway rates to be differentiated in
favour of agriculture 632 (8); compulsory powers over cultivation to be retained
632(^9); no mention of bread subsidy 632 (10); appeal to labourers 632 (11);
advantages of policy oh price of food and exchange 632 (12); approval of Prime
Ministers statement 632 (13).
Air attacks as breaches of the laws of war; memoranda from Air Ministry and Secretary of State for
War; report of Committee of Enquiry into breaches of the laws of war; each case to be
settled on its merits; no enemy aviator prisoners to be repatriated 631 (5).
,, Force, Medical officers in the; pay of 616 (1).
Airships, rigid; purchase and construction of, by United States Government 629 (6).
Aliens Restriction Bill; memorandum by President, Board of Trade; clause referring to pilotage
certificate to be modified and made subject to provisions of section 24 of Pilotage Act;
clause referring to employment of aliens on merchant ships to apply only to
masters 633 (4).
Allenby, F.-M. Lord, member of Cabinet Committee to consider question of temporary boundaries of
Palestine and Mesopotamia; draft telegram to 622 (3 and Appendix II).
Allowances for officers in the army 616 (1).
America. (See " United States.")
Ammunition for Lettish Government 630 (2). .
,
Anatolian Railway, withdrawal of British detachments from 630 (10), 635 (3).
Appeal, right of, for tenant farmers; no announcement to be made in Prime Ministers statement on
agricultural policy ; compulsory powers to be considered further 632 (6).
,,
to agricultural labourers 632 (11).
,, to railwaymen proposed ; action postponed 627 (3).
Arab garrisons for Damascus, Horns, Hama, and Aleppo 622 (Appendix II).
Arable cultivation ; area of, tending to fall 632 (3).
Armenia, danger to, as result of British evacuation of Caucasus; memorandum by Mr. Churchill
621 (1), 622 (5).
,,
mandate for, probable refusal of, by United States 618, 619 (1).
Army officers ; allowances; half-pay and retired pay of 616(1).
,,.
,,
expenses of, to be cut down 616 (1).
,, pay and pensions of men 616 (2).
Asia Minor, mandate for: probable refusal by U.S.A. 618, 619 (1).
,,
military policy in; memoranda by Secretary of State for War; position to be discussed
with M. Venizelos 630 (10); President Wilson's consent to discussion of Turkish
situation in London during his illness to be obtained 635 (3).
Asphyxiating gases, employment of, in warfare 631 (6).
Australia, munitions plant for 629 (3).
Australian Navy : request for British squadron in Pacific in view of Japanese attitude refused
633 (5).
B
Balfour, Mr.; letter on situation in Caucasus 621 (1).
,,
member of Cabinet Committee to consider question of temporary boundary in Palestine
and Mesopotamia 622 (3).
,,
telegram from, regarding situation in Esthonia 619 (2).
thanked for services in Paris 633 (2).
Baltic Provinces; Lord Curzon to consult Mr. Balfour as to desirability of sending Political Officer to
supervise missions in 617 (1).
,,
,,
Marshal Eoeh to demand immediate evacuation of German troops from; General
Henrys to control evacuation; Poles to assist if necessary, but not to interfere
with local governments of 622 (Appendix I) ; British policy in, independence of,
evacuation of Germans, neither military supplies nor loan to be provided by
British; relations with Bolshevists 623 (1); Lord Curzon's appreciation of
situation; telegram to Governments of 624 (1 and Appendices I and I I I ) ;
note by Mr. Churchill 624 (Appendix II).
,,
,,
telegrams from Mr. Balfour and General Gough on situation in Esthonia 619 (2).
Barnes, Mr. G. N.; memoranda on office accommodation for Government Departments 620 (1).
,,
,,
,,
subject of the International Labour Conference at Washington
628 (1-3), 630 (3).
Batoum, British evacuation of, postponed; Conimander-in-Chief, Caucasus, to send appreciation of
probable result of evacuation and possibility of Georgian occupation 622 (5).
Belgium, devastated areas in 622 (9).
Boscawen, Sir Arthur; memorandum on de-control of flour mills and wheat prices 617 (3), 620 (8).
Breaches of the laws of war; air attacks 631 (5).
, Bread subsidy, no reference to be made to, in Prime Minister's statement on agricultural policy
632 (10); proportion of freight subsidy in price of bread; Food Controller to circulate a
memorandum on financial effect of his transactions and cost of supplies from America,
Australasia, United Kingdom 635 (6)
British Empire Report; issue to be continued fortnightly 617 (5).
Budapest, policing of 622 (Appendix I).
C
Cabinet Strike Committee in charge of the Governments arrangements for meeting the strike of
railwaymen 626 (2).
,,
recommendations of; note by Sir M. Hankey; no formal expression of
thanks to voluntary workers : Board of Trade to be responsible for
petrol; Emergency Traffic Committee (Sir Norrnan Hill, Chairman)
' appointed ; National Emergency Committee to take over functions of
Industrial Unrest Committee and be called Supply and Transport
Committee of War Cabinet (Minister of Transport, Chairman);
Sub-Committee (Sir Rhys Williams, Chairman) to compile record of
work done during strike 630 (8).
Cairo, proposed establishment of an aerial route to Karachi 629 (5).
Canada, representation of, at Washington 631 (3).
Caucasus, situation in, letter from Mr. Balfour ; certain massacre of Armenians in event of British
evacuation ; French Government to send troops; General Milne's suggestion for limited
British force to be considered 621 (1); evacuation of Batoum to be postponed;
British Commander to send appreciation of probable result of evacuation and possibility
of Georgian occupation 622 (5).
Cenotaph in Whitehall, memorandum by First Commissioner of Works, construction of permanent
memorial sanctioned 634 (6).
Chamberlain, Mr., decision not to take credit for supplies given to General Denikin in Revised
Estimates presented to Barliament, approved 635 (4).
,,
,, member of Cabinet Committee to decide on site for London University 623 (2).
,,
,, memorandum on price and supply of sugar 635 (5).
,,
,,
,,
sale of Admiralty trawlers and drifters 631 (10).
,,
,,
,,
use of Government motor-cars 635 (9).
,,
,, note on use of military huts for civilian workers 617 (4).
Water Power Bill 634 (2).
,,
,, to decide question of Registrar-Generals Department 624 (4).
Church Enabling Bill 630 (9).
Churchill, Mr. W., memoranda on danger to Armenia 621 (1).
,,
,,
military policy in Asia Minor; to discuss situation with
M. Venizelos 630 (10), 635 (3).
memorandum on air attacks as breaches of the laws of war 631 (5).
,,
future employment of poisonous gases in warfare 631 (6).
,,
.,
insurance of officers against disablement 629 (7).
,,
proposed aerial route from Cairo to Karachi 629 (5).
,, note on British policy in Baltic States 624 (1 and Appendix II).
C.I.G.S., memorandum asking for decision of policy as to devastated areas in Belgium and France
622 (9).
Cilicia, military occupation of by French troops 622 (3 and Appendices I and II).
Circulation of information, memorandum by Sir M. Hankey; issue of British Empire, Western, and
General, and Eastern reports to be fortnightly ; staff to be reduced 617 (5).
,,
papers to Prime Ministers of Dominions 629 (4).
Citizen Guard; military officers assisting in the organisation of to be recalled; registration of men
willing to serve in emergency in a 628 (6); question referred to Supply and Transport
Committee 635 (8).
Civil staff of Admiralty and war bonus 630 (1).
Civilian passenger accommodation to Far East 622 (6).
Coal, bunker, shortage of 622 (7).
,, export of, stopped 626 (7).
Combines Bill, memorandum by President, Board of Trade, and Minister of Transport; Bill to be
referred to a Committee 634 (1).
Committee to advise on general trade policy (Sir A. Geddes, Chairman) 634 (1).
,,
consider temporary boundaries of Palestine and Mesopotamia, Secretary of State for
Foreign Affairs, Secretary- of State for the Colonies, and Field-Marshal Lord
Allenby 622 (3 and Appendix II).
,,
decide on site for London University 623 (2).
Communications, Imperial Sea 629. (2).
Compulsory powers over cultivation of land to be retained 632 (9).
Conference, International Labour, at Washington 628 (1-3), 630 (3).
Congestion of ports 622 (7); discussion on storage accommodation and disposal of surplus stores
63.1(7)
Constantinople, mandate for, probable refusal of, by United States 618, 619 (1).
Co-ordination of Demobilisation Section of War Cabinet to be dissolved 621 (2).
Corn, guaranteed minimum price of
retained 632 (9).
Credit facilities for agriculture
632 (3); compulsory powers under Corn Production Act to be
-
632 (7).
Crowe, Sir Eyre, telegram from, on support to Polish Army
Curzon, Lord, and diplomatic representation at the Vatican
631 (4), 633 (6).
631 (1).
Curzon, Lord; draft despatch on policy in Bussia approved; to consult with Mr. Balfour ,on General
Goughs action, and advisability of sending political officer to supervise missions in
Baltic 617 (1 and Appendix) 619 (2) ; appreciation of situation in Baltic States ;
draft telegram to Governments of Esthonia, Latvia, aud Lithuania 624 (1 and
Appendices I and III).
,, exposition of situation in Turkey 617(2); to discuss future policy in Turkey and Syria
with Mr. Balfour 619 (1).
;
D
Daghestan, threat to attack Armenians 621 (1).
De-control of flour mills and wheat prices, memorandum by Sir Arthur Griffith Boscawen; matter to
be decided by Mr. Bonar Law, Chancellor of Exchequer, and Chairman of Home Affairs
Committee 617 (3), 620 (3).
Decoration of streets for visit of President Poincare' and Shah of Persia 633 (1).
Demobilisation, co-ordination of, section of War Cabinet to be dissolved 621 (2).
Denikin, General, assistance to be confined to 617 (1); War Office proposals for final contribution
to, to be submitted 622 (4); advance instalment to be despatched 624 (1), 628 (5),
633 (6); credit for supplies omitted from Eevised Estimates; Chancellor of Exchequers
action approved 635 (4).
Derbyshire, oil-bearing wells in, payment of royalties on 633 (3).
De Valera, Mr., not to return to Ireland 624 (3).
Devastated areas in Belgium and France; memorandum by C.I.G.S. asking for decision of policy
622(9).
Diplomatic representation at the Vatican 631 (1).
Disablement; insurance of officers against 629 (7).
Dominion Prime Ministers, circulation of papers to ; note by Secretary asking for instructions 629 (4).
Dominions, gift of surplus warships to the 634 (4).
E
Earle, Sir L., memorandum on office accommodation 620 (1).
Eastern Galicia. (See " Galicia, Eastern.")
,,
Report to be combined with Western and General Beport and issued fortnightly 617 (5).
Economic Council. (See " Supreme Economic Council")
Egypt, Commander-in-Chief in ; draft telegram from War Office to; not to be despatched until Cabinet
Committee had considered question of boundaries, and until after negotiations with Emir
Feisal 622 (3 and Appendix II).
Electricity (Supply) Bill and provisions of Water Power Draft Bill 634 (2).
Emergency (National) Committee (Minister of Transport, Chairman) appointed; to take over functions
of Industrial Unrest Committee, and to be called " Supply and Transport Committee "
630 (8).
,,
Traffic Committee (Sir 1ST. Hill, Chairman) appointed 630 (8).
Emir Feisal. (See " Feisal.")
Enabling Bill, discussion on ; question adjourned 630 (9).
Esthonia, situation in, telegrams from Mr. Balfour and General Gough 619(2); question of inde­
' pendence of 623 (1); telegram to 624 (1 and Appendices I and III).
Esthonian Government, note to Foreign Minister of, from General Gough 617 (1 and Appendix),
623 (1), 624 (1 and Appendices I and III).
Estimates, Eevised, credit for supplies to General Denikin omitted from; Chancellor of Exchequer^
action approved 635 (4).
Evacuation of Caucasus 621 (1), 622 (5).
Evictions of tenant farmers; Government safeguards in event of sale or notice to raise rents; arbitra­
tion in case of dispute 632 (4).
F
- fj. ' g
,
Farmers, to be reassured as to guaranteed minimum -price of corn 632 (3); to be protected against
capricious evictions 632 (4); no Government responsibility for credit facilities to
632 (7).
Feisal, Emir; arrival in London 622 (2); letter to Prime Minister and statement to Chief of General
Staff, Egypt, and Political Officer, Damascus, considered 622 (3); attitude towards French
detachments for Aleppo and Damascus, arms and ammunition for 622 (Appendix II).
Finance Committee, to consider food prices and Government subsidies on foodstuffs 635 (7).
,,
,,
,,
procedure for British claims for reparation under Peace Treaty 635 (2).
Finland, British policy in 624 (1).
Fisher, Mr, H. A. L., Chairman of Committee on Naval, Military and Air Force pay, third- report
approved 616 (1).
,,
,,
,,
memorandum on site for London University; member of Cabinet Committee to
decide question 623 (2).
Fishermen, sale of trawlers and drifters to 631 (10).
Fiume, blockade of; Allies to participate in 622 (Appendix I).
Flour mills, de-control of, and wheat prices 617 (3) ; 620 (3).
Foch, Marshal, to demand immediate evacuation of Baltic Provinces by German troops 622
(Appendix I), 623 (1), 624 (1 and Appendix I).
Food and raw materials, supply of, to Germany, memorandum by Food Controller; proposal that
German experts should come to London approved 622 (8).
,, Controller, memorandum on price and supply of sugar 635 (5); to prepare statements as to his
financial transactions ; price of bread 635 (6).
,, prices and Government subsidies on foodstuffs to be considered by Finance Committee 635 (7).
,, stocks and distribution; question referred to Cabinet Strike Committee 626 (4).
Fortescue, Hon. J. W., article in " Quarterly Review " entitled " Lord French's 1914," and consequent
dismissal 635 (1).
France, devastated areas in 622 (9).
French, Field-Marshal Lord, review of "1914," bv Hon. J. W. Fortescue in "Quarterly Review"
635 (1).
,,
,,
,,
statement on situation in Ireland; demand for certain measures to
strengthen Irish administration, notably increase of Royal Irish
Constabulary 624 (2), 628 (4).
,,
troops to succeed British in Caucasus, stores to be put at their disposal 621 (1).
Gr
Galicia, Eastern, reunion of, to Polish Republic requested 631 (2).
Garrisons of British, Indian, and Naval forces in former Turkish Empire, Egypt, and Trans-Caucasia
618 ; strength and cost of 619 (1).
,,
of India and other parts of British Empire, substitution of mechanical devices for personnel
in future 619 (1).
Gas, poisonous, future employment of, in warfare: memoranda by Mr. C. J. B. Hurst and Secretary of
State for "War; War Office to continue its organisation 631 (6).
Geddes, Sir A., Chairman of Committee to advise on general trade policy. 634 (1).
,.
,,
member of Cabinet Committee to decide on site for London University 623 (2).
,,
,,
memoranda on Combines Bill and Imports and Exports Regulation Bill 634 (1).
,,
,,
memorandum on Aliens Restriction Bill 633 (4).
,,
,,
,,
on Importation of Plumage (Prohibition) Bill 634 (3).
,,
,,
,,
on reduction of staffs in Government departments; to be relieved of
responsibility for staffs of other departments 620 (2).
,, Sir E., and threatened railway strike 623 (3), 625 (Appendix), 626 (1).
,,
,,
Chairman of Supply and Transport Committee 630 (8).
,,
,,
memorandum on acquisition of privately-owned railway wagons 630 (5).
on Combines Bill 634 (1).
,,
,,
,,
on recommendations of Select Committee on Transport (Metropolitan
Area) 630 (7).
,,
,,
,,
on revision of railway rates 630 (6).
on Water Power Bill 634 (2).
Georgia; threat to attack Armenians 621 (1); possible occupation of Batoum 622(5).
German officers, trial of, under Article 228 of Treaty of Peace 622 (Appendix I).
,,
troops in Baltic provinces, evacuation of 622 (Appendix I), 623 (1), 624 (1 and Appendix I).
Germany, reparation by; procedure in regard to British claims 635 (2).
,,
supply of food and raw materials to 622 (8).
Gore-Browne, Mr. F., K.C., acceptance of chairmanship of Rates Advisory Committee 632 (1).
Gosling, Mr.; and deputation of Transport Workers' Federation 627 (Appendix).
Gough, General, telegram to Brigadier-General Marsh; action in regard to Russian North-West
Government to be repudiated 617 (1 and Appendix); recommendations regarding
Esthonian Government 619 (2).
Government departments and use of official motor-cars 635 (9). ­
,,
,,
office accommodation for 620 (1).
Government departments; reduction of staffs 620 (2).l
,,
measures, general direction of the, for meeting strike of railway men; special Cabinet
Committee appointed to take charge of the Governments arrangements 626 (2).
,
,,
of Ireland Act, date of operation of; letter from Attorney-General 624 (2).
Grey, Lord, instructions to, on appointment to Washington 619 (4). .:
Hankey, Sir M., memorandum on circulation of information to Ministers 617 (5).
,,
,,
note by, asking for instructions as to circulation of papers to Dominion Prime
Ministers 629 (4).
Hedjaz, King of the, candidate for Khalifate 619 (1).
History of the War, official military ; dismissal of Hon. J. W. Fortescue 635 (1).
,,
,,
,, naval 619 (3).
Home Affairs Committee, draft Bills referred to; Water Power Bill 634 (2); Importation of
Blumage (Prohibition) Bill 634 (3).
Housing ; use of military huts for civilian workers ; memoranda by Minister of Health and Chancellor
of Exchequer; referred for decision to Chairman of Home Affairs Committee,
Minister of Munitions, and Minister of Health 617 (4).
Hungary, Allies not to interfere in internal affairs ; policing of Budapest 622 (Appendix I).
Hurst, Mr. C. J. B., K.C., memorandum on future employment in warfare of asphyxiating gases
i , - ,
631 (6).
Huts, military, for use of civilian workers 617 (4).
Hyde Bark; public meetings in; memorandum by First Commissioner of Works covering a letter
from Commissioner of Metropolitan Police; hours not to be restricted 634 (5).
I
Imperial Sea Communications; memoranda by Secretary of State for the Colonies, with covering note
. by Secretary, War Cabinet, and Admiralty, and note by Sir E. Geddes; terms of
reference proposed by Lord Milner, and a committee composed of eight official
members, approved 629 (2).
Importation of Plumage (Prohibition) Bill 634 (3).
Imports and Exports Begulation Bill, memorandum by President Board of Trade; Bill to be
referred to Trade Policy Committee 634 (1).
India and Far East, civilian passenger accommodation to 622 (6).
,, future garrisons of, substitution of mechanical devices for personnel of 619 (1).
Information, circulation of, to Ministers 617 (5); to Dominion Prime Ministers 629 (4).
leakage of 629 (1).
Insurance of officers aqainst disablement 616 (1); memorandum by Secretary of State for War
629 (7).
International Labour Conference at Washington ; memoranda by Mr. Barnes; summary of negotiations
and proceedings at Paris and Amsterdam in regard to proposed Conference: position
of neutrals, Germans, and Austrians ; composition of British Delegation; criticism
of the employers' selection; instructions to delegates; decisions; a British Mission
should leave for Washington as proposed by Mr. Barnes; Mr. Barnes to arrange
with Minister of Labour for further consideration of the employers' list
628 (1-3); instructions to delegates as to 48-hour week : composition of delegation
630 (3).
Inverforth, Lord, to prepare a Bill on ownership, of oil in United Kingdom 633 (3).
Invergordon Harbour Bill; draft Bill approved subject to certain conditions 629 (8).
Ireland ; Mr. De Yalera not to be allowed to return to 624 (3).
,,
situation and policy in; memorandum by First Lord of the Admiralty ; letter from AttorneyGeneral; date of operation of Government of Ireland Act. 624 (2); joint memorandum
by Lord French and Mr. Macpherson; decision : a Cabinet Committee (Mr. Long,
Chairman) to examine and report on probable effect on Ireland, on Great Britain, and on
opinion abroad of each of the possible alternative Irish policies 628 (4).
Italian Government and blockade of Fiume 622 (Appendix I).
J
Japanese fleet in Australian waters ; aggressive attitude of; Australian request for a British squadron
refused 633 (5).
Karachi; proposed establishment of an aerial route to Cairo 629 (5).
Kennedy-Jones, Mr., to be asked to be Chairman of Advisory Committee on Metropolitan traffic
630 (7).
Khalifate, question of the 619 (1).
King's College, site for 623 (2).
L
Labour Conference, International, at "Washington 628 (1-3), 630 (3).
Land cultivation, compulsory powers over, to be retained 632 (9).
Latvia, independence of, letter from Prime Minister to Government of 623 (1). 624 (1 and Appendices
I and III).
Laws of war, air attacks as breaches of 631 (5).
League of Nations; President Wilson to be asked to summon Council in Europe after ratification of
Treaty 622 (Appendix I).
Leakage of information 629 (1).
Lee, Lord, memorandum on Water Power Bill 634 (2).
Lettish Government, supply of small arms ammunition to ^630 (2).
Lithuania, independence of 623 (1): telegram to Government of 624 (1 and Appendices I and
III).
London traffic ; report of Select Committee on Transport; Minister of Transport to deal with problem;
Advisory Committee to assist 630 (7).
,,
University, site for, memorandum by President of Board of Education ; Cabinet Committee
appointed to decide question 623 (2).
Long, Mr., memorandum on sale of Admiralty trawlers and drifters 631 (10).
,,
,,
situation in Ireland
624 (2^ ; Chairman of Cabinet Committee to
examine and report on Irish policy 628 (4).
Lorries, motor, transfer of, to Ministry of Transport-from Ministry of Munitions 631 (8).
Lytton, Lord, scheme for sale of Admiralty trawlers and drifters approved 630 (8).
M
Maclay, Sir Joseph, memorandum on civilian passenger accommodation to India and Far East
622 (6).
,,
,,
,,
national shipyards 631 (9).
Macpherson, Mr., joint memorandum with Lord French on situation and policy in Ireland 628 (4).
,,
,, letter as to De Valera's return to Ireland 624 (3).
Maintenance of order during railway strike 626 (7).
Masters of British merchant ships; no aliens to be employed as, except those now acting in that
capacity 633 (4).
Meat, home-grown, price in relation to cost of imported 635 (7).
Mechanical devices, substitution of, for personnel in future garrisons of India and other parts of the
Empire 619 (1).
Medical Officers in the Air Force, pay of 616 (1).
Meetings in Hyde Park, hours of, not to be restricted 634 (5).
Merchant ships, aliens as masters of 633 (4).
Mesopotamia, provisional boundaries behind which British troops to be withdrawn; Cabinet
Committee to consider 622 (3 and Appendices I and II).
Mesopotamian oil; agreement with France 619 (1).
Metropolitan Police. (See " Police.")
Military history of the war ; dismissal of the Hon. J. W. Fortescue 635 (1).
,, huts, use of, for housing civilian workers 617 (4).
,, occupation of Syria and Cilicia by French troops 622 (3 and Appendices I and II).
Millers, rebate to, purchasing home-grown wheat 617 (3), 620 (3). .
Mills, flour, de-control of 617 (3), 020 (3).
Milne, General; suggestion for limited British force to protect Armenians 621 (1); to send apprecia­
tion of situation at Batoum in event of British evacuation, and possibility of Georgian
occupation 622 (5)!
Milner, Lord, member of Cabinet Committee to consider question of temporary boundaries of
Palestine and Mesopotamia 622 (3).
,,
,,
,,
to decide on site for London University 623 (2).
v
1
Milner, Lord; memorandum on Imperial Sea Communications 629 (2).
,,
,,
on munitions plant for Australia 629 (3).
Ministry of Transport Act 1919; acquisition of privately-owned railway wagons 630 (5).
Mond, Sir A., memorandum on cenotaph in "Whitehall 634(6).
,,
,,
,,
on public meetings in Hyde Park 634 (5).
Montagu, Mr.; dissent from decision not to summon Parliament unless the railway strike extended to
whole of organised labour 627 (7).
Mosul-Mediterranean railway and pipeline, "War Office to report on necessity of oasis of Tadmor to
619 (1).
Motor-cars, control of official, memorandum by Chancellor of Exchequer; common pool to be under
Ministry of Transport; Secretary for War to furnish memorandum as regards
fighting services 635 (9).
Motor-lorries, transfer of, to Ministry of Transport 631 (8).
Munitions plant for Australia ; memorandum by Secretary of State for Colonies ; decision—Govern­
ment munitions plant of the fair disposal value of 300,OOOZ., less 50 per cent, to be
placed at disposal of the Australian Government 629 (3).
Murmansk, foodstuffs for, visit of warship to 633 (8).
1
N
National Emergency Committee. (See " Emergency.")
,,
shipyards. (See " Shipyards.")
Naval craft, practicability of using on canals for purposes of food distribution
,, history (official) of the war 619 (3).
Navy, gift of surplus warships to Dominions 634 (4).
626 (5).
O
Official military history of the war; dismissal of Hon. J. W. Fortescue in consequence of his
article " Lord French's 1914 " 635 (1).
Oil, payment of royalties on, in United Kingdom; ownership to be vested in State; landowners to be
compensated for disturbance and loss of amenity; Minister of Munitions to prepare a Bill;
Mr. Chamberlain's suggestion for Government to discontinue experimenting withdrawn;
Messrs. Pearson's offer to take over operations 633 (3).
Office accommodation, memoranda by Mr. Barnes and Sir L. Earle; Admiralty Controllers staff to
be moved; report to be submitted of requirements of Ministry of Transport 620 (1).
Officers, insurance of, against disablement 629 (7).
Officers' pay (Army), third report of Committee on Naval, Military, and Air- Force pay approved
616 (1).
Official military history of the war 635 (1).
,, naval history of the war 619 (3).
Oil in Mesopotamia; agreement with France 619 (1).
P
Pacific, request from Australia for British squadron to be sent to the, refused 633 (5).
Paderewski, M., request for final reunion of Eastern Galieia to Polish Republic 631 (2).
Palestine, provisional line behind which British troops to be withdrawn; Cabinet Committee to
consider 622 (3 and Appendices I and II).
Paris Conferences; conclusions of meetings of Supreme Council, September 15, 1919; military
occupation of Syria and Cilieia; League of Nations; trial of German officers; Baltic
provinces; Fiume; Budapest 622 (1, 3, and Appendix 1); telegram from British
Government to Baltic States to be communicated to 624 (1 and Appendix III).
Parliament, only to be summoned in the event of strike extending to whole of organised labour;
dissent of Mr. Montagu 627 (1 and 7).
Passenger accommodation to India and Far East for civilians 622 (6).
Pay of men in the Army 616 (2).
,, of Navy, Army, and Air Force ; third report of Committee approved 616 (1).
Peace celebrations ; cenotaph in Whitehall to be permanent 634 (6).
,,
residue of amount allotted for street decorations to be used for visit of President
Poincare and Shah of Persia 633 (1).
,, treaty with Germany ; procedure in regard to British claims for reparation under 635 (2).
Pearson, Messrs., offer to take over Government operations for oil-boring 633 (3).
n
Pensions of men in the Army 616 (2),
.
Persia, Shah of, visit to London 633 (1).
Petrol, supplies of; Board of Trade to be responsible for 630 (8).
Petroleum, ownership of, in United Kingdom 633 (3).
Pilotage certificates held by aliens 633 (4).
Plumage, Importation of, (Prohibition) Bill, referred to Home Affairs Committee 634 (3).
Poincare\ President, visit of, to London; street decorations 633 (1).
Poisonous gas. (See " Gas.")
Poland, support for army ; telegram from Sir Eyre Crowe; British to provide stores but not transport,
if other Allies would also help 631 (4); 633 (6).
Police, Metropolitan, Commissioner of; letter objecting to public meetings in Hyde Park continuing
until dark 634 (5).
Policing of Budapest 622 (Appendix I).
Polish Army, to compel evacuation of Baltic Provinces by German troops if necessary, not to interfere
with local governments 622 (Appendix I).
,,
Bepublic, request for Eastern Galicia to be annexed to 631 (2).
Pope, the, diplomatic representation to 631 (1).
Ports, congestion of 622 (7); storage accommodation and surplus stores 631 (7).
Press, statement for the, on the railway strike 626 (8); propaganda to be organised 627 (5).
Prime Minister; account of meetings of Supreme Council at Paris Conference
622 (1 and
Appendix I).
,,
,,
statement on agricultural policy 632 (2—13).
,,
Ministers of the Dominions; circulation of papers to 629 (4).
Primrose, Sir H , memorandum on present and prospective position of the sugar supply 635 (5).
Prisoners of war, enemy aviators not to be repatriated 631 (5).
,,'
,,
Interdepartmental Committee to be dissolved 620 (4).
R
Railway finances; effect of high wages on 630 (4).
,,
rates, revision of; memorandum by Minister of Transport; draft terms of reference to Rates
Advisory Committee 630 (6); differentiation in favour of agriculture 632 (8).
,,
strike. (See " Strike of railwaymen.")
wagons, privately-owned ; acquisition of, memorandum by Minister of Transport 630 (5).
Ramsay, Sir M., report of Committee on reduction of staffs in Government Departments 620 (2).
Rates Advisory Committee, Chairmanship accepted by Mr. F. Gore-Browne, K.C., at considerable
personal sacrifice 632 (1).
,, railway; revision of draft terms of reference to Rates Advisory Committee 630 (6); differentia­
tion in favour of agriculture 632 (8).
Raw" materials, supply of, to Germany 622 (8).
Rawlinson, General, congratulations to, on operations in North Russia 633 (7) ; suggestions for food­
stuffs and visit of warship for Murmansk 633 (8).
Reduction of staffs in Government Departments 620 (2).
Registrar-Generals Department; question referred for decision to Chancellor of Exchequer and
Minister of Health 624 (4).
Reparation under Peace Treaty; Finance Committee and others to consider procedure in regard to
British claims 635 (2).
Reports, British Empire, "Western and General and Eastern issue to be continued fortnightly 617 (5).
Retired pay ; army officers ; compulsory insurance under consideration 616 (1).
Roberts, Mr. G. H , memorandum on supply of food and raw materials to Germany 622 (8).
Royal Irish Constabulary ; Lord French asks for increase of establishment 624 (2), 628 (4).
Royalties on oil; no compensation to owners of oil-bearing property except in respect of disturbance
633 (2).
Russia; assistance to General Denikin 622 ^4), 624 (1); memorandum by Secretary of State for
War ; proposals approved 628 (5); credit for supplies omitted from Revised Estimates ;
Chancellor of Exchequers action approved 635 (4).
,,
Baltic Provinces ; Esthonia, situation in 619 (2).
,,
,,
,,
evacuation of, by German'troops ; Poles to take action if necessary, but
not to interfere with local governments 622 (Appendix I) ; British
policy in; independence of; relations with Bolshevists 623 (1);
Lord Curzon's appreciation of situation, telegram to Governments of,
and to Sir Eyre Crowe 624 (1 and Appendices I and I I I ) ; notes by
Secretary of State for War 624 (Appendix II).
Buasia, North, withdrawal from; congratulations to General Bawlinson on success of operation
633 (7); Secretary for War to enquire as to. possibility of sending foodstuffs from
General Denikin's area to Murmansk, and to communicate with Admiralty as to visit
of warship 633 (8).
,, policy in, draft despatch by Lord Curzon approved; assistance to be confined to General
Denikin ; General Gough's action in regard to North-West Government to be repudiated Mr. Balfour to be consulted as to advisability of sending political officer to supervise
Baltic missions; troops to be withdrawn from Siberia as soon as possible 617 (1 and
Appendix), 622 (4), 623 (1), 624 (1 and Appendices), 628 (5).
T
S
Scientific research in Agriculture, State aid; grants to be continued 632 (5).
Sea communications, Imperial 629 (2).
Shah of Persia. (See " Persia.")
Shipping; civilian passenger accommodation to Far East; memorandum by Shipping Controller ;
question adjourned 622 (6).
,,
congestion of ports: question to be discussed by Prime Minister, President Board of Trade
Minister of Transport, and Shipping Controller 622 (7); report of Conference,
question of storage to be further discussed; Storage Committee to be transferred to
Ministry of Transport; surplus stores to be considered by Joint Committee 631 (7)
,,
position of aliens as pilots and masters 633 (4;.
,,
sale of Admiralty trawlers and drifters 631 (10).
Shipyards, national; negotiations for sale of, memorandum by Shipping Controller 631 (9).
Shortt, Mr., memorandum on formation of Citizen Guards 635 (8).
Siberia, withdrawal of British troops from, to be expedited 617 (1).
Special constables, Strike Committee to consider re-organisation of 627 (2), 628 (6), 635 (8).
Staffs of Government Departments, reduction of ; report of Sir M. Eamsay's Committee ; memorandum
by President, Board of Trade, request to be relieved of responsibility for staffs of other
Departments 620 (2).
Storage Committee of Ministry of Eeeonstruction to be transferred to Ministry of Transport 631 (7).
Strike Committee (See " Cabinet Strike Committee.")
,, funds; question of-placing an embargo on, remitted to the Cabinet Strike Committee 626 (3).
,, of railwaymen, draft reply to Mr. Thomas 623 (3); draft heads of reply: (1) concessions to
anomalous grades, (2) fluctuation in war wage corresponding with cost of living,
(3) suggested increase of minimum wage; decisions of drafting Committee 625
(Appendix) ; breakdown of negotiations ; strike commenced at midnight, 26th September,
1919 ; Government measures ; strike funds ; food stocks and distribution ; unemployment
pay ; maintenance of order; export of coal stopped; statement for the Bress 626 (1-8)
full meeting of Ministers; statement by Prime Minister; advisability of summoning
Parliament; position of strikers; propaganda; appeal to mayors; note to Transport
Workers' Federation; special constables ; appeal to railwaymen; proposed alteration of
pre-war basic rate of wages; Mr. Barnes'proposal for extension of period of guaranteed
wage; confidence expressed in Prime Minister 627 (1-7 and Appendix); deputation
from Transport Worker's Federation 627 (Appendix).
Subsidies on foodstuffs, Finance Committee to consider 635 (7).
Sugar: memoranda by Food Controller and Chancellor of the Exchequer on price and supply of;
restriction on import; proposal for increased retail price postponed for consideration by
Finance Committee 635 (5).
Supply and Transport Committee appointed (Minister of Transport, Chairman) 630 (8) ; question of
formation of Citizen Guards referred to 635 (8).
Supreme Council, of Allied and Associated Powers; conclusions ; meetings, 15th September, 1919
622 (1 and Appendix I ) ; telegram from British Government to Baltic States to be
communicated to 624 (1 and Appendix III).
,,
Economic Council; supply of food and raw materials to Germany 622 (8).
Sykes-Pieot line 622 (Appendix II).
Syria, future policy in 619 "(1), 622 (3 and Appendix II).
,, military occupation of; conclusions of Paris Conference 18/B/60; Cabinet Committee to
consider boundaries; draft telegram to Field-Marshal Commander-in-Chief, Egypt 622
(3 and Appendices I and II).
T
Tadmor (Palmvra) oasis of, how far essential to construction of Mosul-Mediterranean railway 619(1),
622 (Appendix II).
Thomas, Mr. J. H., and threatened railway strike, draft reply to 623 (3), 625 (Appendix).
Trade, Board of, and powers under Water Power Draft Bill 634 (2).
Trade, Board of, to be responsible for supplies of petrol 630 (8).
,, Combines Bill and Imports and Exports Begulation Bill referred to Trade Policy Committee
(Sir A. Geddes, Chairman) 634 (1).
,, Policy Committee (Sir A. Geddes, Chairman) 634 (1).
Traffic (Emergency) Committee appointed (Sir N. Hill, Chairman) 630 (8).
,, problem; (Metropolitan area) Minister of Transport to deal with 630 (7).
Transport, Ministry of, and acquisition of privately-owned railway waarons 630 (5).
,,
,,
and threatened railway strike 623 (3), 625 (Appendix).
,,
,,
requirements for office accommodation 620 (1).
,,
,,
Storage Committee transferred to 631 (7).
.,
to deal with London traffic problem 630 (7).
,
,,
to have control of pool of Government motor-cars for all departments except
fighting services 635 (9).
,,
,,
transfer of motor-lorries to 631 (8).
,,
Workers' Federation, deputation to Prime Minister during railway strike
627
(Appendix).
Trawlers and drifters, sale of, to fishermen 631 (10).
Trial of German officers under Article 228 Treaty of Peace 622 ("Appendix I)."
Turkey, future of, in event of United States refusing mandate ; exposition by Lord Curzon 617 (2);
alternatives discussed, information required as to size and cost of maintaining garrisons
of British and Indian and naval forces in former Turkish Empire 618 ; question of
Khalifate; substitution of mechanical devices in garrisons; strength and cost of
garrisons ; Mesopotamian oil, agreement with France ; Lord Curzon and Mr. Balfour to
discuss future policy ; Turkey and Syria ; railway between Mosul and Mediterranean
619 (1) military occupation of Syria and Cilicia not to prejudice final settlement of
question 622 (3 and Appendices I and I I ) ; military policy in Asia Minor, memoranda
by Secretary for War 630 (10), 635 (3).
Turks at Erzerum; threat to attack Armenians 621 (1).
Unemployment pay, issue of, during the railway strike ; Minister of Labour to make recommenda­
tions 626 (6).
United States Government; purchase and construction of rigid airships by; letter from Secretary to
Admiralty to Secretary, War Cabinet 629 (6).
,,
,, and future of Turkey, probable refusal of mandate 617 (2), 618, 619 (1).
,,
,, Instructions to Lord Grey on appointment to Embassy at Washington 619 (4).
University of London, site for 623 (2).
V
Valera. (See " De Valera.")
Vatican, diplomatic representation at; Prime Ministers of Dominions to be consulted 631 (1).
Venizelos, M., to discuss question of military policy in Asia Minor 630 (10), 635 (3).
Viceroy of Ireland. (See " French, Field-Marshal, Lord.")
W
Wages of railwaymen; effect on finances of railways 630 (4).
War material for Polish Army 631 (4), 633 (6)!
Warships, surplus, gift of, to the Dominions; memorandum bv Admiralty, proposal sanctioned
634 (4).
Washington, Embassy at, instructions to Lord Grey on appointment to 619 (4).
,,
International Labour Conference at 628 (1-3), 630 (3).
,,
representation of Canada at 631 (3).
Water-Power draft Bill; note by Chancellor of Exchequer, memoranda by Minister of Transport and
President, Board of Agriculture; criticisms of Bill; referred to Home Affairs
Committee 634 (2).
Western and General Reports to be combined with Eastern Report and issued fortnightly 617 (5).
Wheat prices for 1919 617 (3), 620 (3).
Whitehall, cenotaph in, to be permanent 634 (6).
Wilson, President, enquiry for his consent to discussion of Turkish situation in London 635 (3).
,,
,,
to be asked to summon meeting of League of Nations Council immediately after
ratification of Treaty of Peace 622 (Appendix I).
O