"I/٨ العلاقات السعودية-العراقية" [و‎‎٣] (٤٠/٥)

ENCLOSURE IN FOREIGN OFFICE
i c-r-rtria l“2 MAY W3|
I ; ^ telegram No, 64 (of April 24th: Ibn Saud 5 s expected
meeting v/ith G-eneral Nuri) 0
You may inform Ibn Sard in confidence that His Majesty’s
(jovernment have learned v/ith interest of his views, as recorded
by Sheikh Yusuf Yasin, and that the following are their views
upon the points which he has raised.
2, As His Majesty’s Government have already explained,
they do not think it in the least likely that Saudi Arabia will
be wantonly attacked. Even if general hostilities should begin
it is unlikely that Italy would attempt to occupy positions on
the Saudi-Arabian coast, since they already possess bases in
Eritrea which are in a more favourable strategical position from
which to threaten British communications in the Red Sea- Nor is
it likely that Italy will v/ish to add Saudi Arabia to her enemies.
But in the unxikexy event of Italy taking such action. His Majesty's
Government in their own interests, if for no other reason, would
take steps to restore the position.
3 C . His Majesty's Government have no reason to suppose that
Iraq has any hostile designs against any other State, even
including Koweit. The recent Iraqi propaganda about conditions
returned to the Foreign Office if not required for official use.]
(E 3041/177/25).
Cypher telegram to Sir R. Bullard (Jedda).
Foreign Office. 27th April* 1939. 10.00 p.m.
No. 69.
IMPORTANT
A
Confidential
IL T"! a o • w #