joint proposals in regards to the reparation to be made by Greece for her unprovoked attack on the Allies, and forward them for the consideration of the Allied Governments.
The Arab Revolt, Rabegh4. A Summary of the latest information in regard to the Arab revolt, and more particularly the menace to Yenbo and Rabegh, is attached in Appendix IV. The War Cabinet reached the following decisions:—
Attended for this Question:The Rt. Hon. A Chamberlain Secretary of State for India.
The French will not send infantry to Rabegh and consider that it is for us to do so. We do not wish to land troops in the Hedjaz except in the last extremity, but the Shereef must be saved from destruction, if possible. If there is still time for the preparation of an entrenched position at Rabegh, and if an infantry brigade with the necessary artillery, engineer, medical services, &c. asked for by you can hold it,we authorise you to despatch these troops whenever you think the moment has come; but you must be satisfied that the force is sufficient and that it can be supplied with water and all necessities. (b.) That the Chief of the Imperial General Staff should repeat this telegram to the General Officer Commanding the Egyptian Expeditionary force.
Future Business5. Subject to the Prime Minister's approval, it was decided to discuss the measures to be taken in regard to the agricultural policy on Wednesday afternoon, the 14th December. Lord Milner undertook to place himself in communication with the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Food Controller on this subject.
The Offices of the War Cabinet6. With reference to the First Minister of the First Meeting, the Secretary reported that he had been in communication with the Office of Works with regard to the offices of the War Cabinet. He had been informed that the occupation of Montagu House by the War Cabinet would cause very great dislocation to the house arrangements of the Ministry of Munitions, who had planned to accommodate an office of 500 persons in and about this house, and had placed the contracts for the necessary alterations. The Office of Works had suggested as an alternative that the Ministry of Munitions should vacate Nos. 1 & 3. Whitehall Gardens, namely the old National Club and the Crown Agents Offices. The accommodation in these houses would enable each Member of the War Cabinet to have a room for himself and the secretarial staff, as well as to house the staff of the Cabinet. The War Cabinet sanctioned this proposal subject to the Prime Minister's approval.
- 2, Whitehall Gardens, S.W.
- December 12, 1916.
