What did some members of the British government believe about Aden?

Some members of the British government viewed Aden as strategically important for curbing Russian influence in the region. This belief stemmed from the geopolitical context of the time, particularly during the late 19th century and early 20th century when the British Empire was concerned about expanding Russian interests, especially in the Middle East and southern Asia.

Aden's location on the trade route to India made it a pivotal point for the British naval and military presence. By maintaining a stronghold in Aden, the British aimed to secure their maritime routes and counter any potential threats posed by Russian advances in the region. This perspective was tied to the larger context of imperial competition, where control of key locations was deemed essential for national security and global influence.

Other perspectives, like the idea that Aden was mainly for tourism, do not align with the strategic military and economic considerations that dominated British policy at the time. Similarly, thoughts about abandonment would have contradicted the prevailing view of its importance for imperial interests.