'File 8/15 Arab Series - 1933-1939' [‎36r] (71/434)

2 He wished the Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. to know that a certain Monsieur Wilniewczyc,
Professor at the Warsaw Polytechnic, had recently left for Jeddah, with a view
to negotiating with the Saudi Government an early settlement of the Polish claim.
He mentioned this to obviate any risk that distorted accounts of Monsieur
Wilniewczyc’s mission or activities in Jeddah might reach you. Similarly, in
order to obviate any misrepresentations from the Arab side, he had _ advised
Monsieur Wilniewczyc to leave his card on you. No question of his invoking your
assistance, however, arose.
3. Monsieur Benis was thanked for his communication.
4. I am sending a copy of this despatch to the Foreign Office.
(15)
{Received on 17th February 1934, with Political Secretary's letter No. 5, dated
1st February 1934.)
Enclosure in Foreign Office covering letter, dated 26th January 1934.
Telegram from H. M.’s Minister, Jedda, to the 1 oreign Office, No. 13, dated
the 25th January 1934.
My telegram No. 2-Saving.
Shadid professes to represent Hejaz Development Corporation recently
formed by J. S. Bartholomew of Berkeley Square. He holds out hopes of sup
port of business magnates like Lord Goschen, Lord Glenconner, Sir E. Mountain
and a representative of Andrew Weir. King enquires through Fuad whether
any contidence can be reposed in Corporation and these anticipations of im
portant backing. In view of Shadid’s record I think it would be desirable to
ascertain facts and communicate them to Saudi Government in confidence.
Their Minister in London may have further particulars.
(16)
{Received on 3rd March 1934, with Political Secretary's letter No. 7, dated 15th
February 1934.)
Enclosure in Foreign Office covering letter No. E. -659!659125, dated 6th February
1934.
Letter from the British Embassy, Baghdad, to the Foreign Office, No. 20 (83!
1|34), dated the 10th January 1934.
T have the honour to inform you that the anniversary of the accession of
King Abdul Aziz al Sa’ud to the Throne of Sa’udi Arabia was duly observed in
Bagdad on the 8th January.
2. In the evening a reception was given at the Sa’udi Arabian Legation
which was attended by the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, the leading Iraqi
Ministers and officials and senior British officials and their wives. The Sa’udi
Charge d’Affaires, Sheikh Ibrahim al Muammer, received his guests with kindly
courtesy and was evidently gratified by the cordial congratulations which he
received from all present.
3. The occasion was marked in the press by the publication of H. M.’s
photograph and of laudatory leading articles praising his achievements. The
Nationalist newspapers, such as “ Al Istiqlal ” and “ Al Uqab ”, rejoiced in
him as the ruler of the one Arab country free from foreign domination, and
heralded him as the keystone of the arch of the longed-for Arab liberation and
unity. The Government organ, “ Al Tariq ”, struck a soberer and less
tendencious note and was satisfied merely to indulge in neighbourly rejoicings
with the people of Sa’udi Arabia on this happy occasion and to exhort the
Governments of both countries to do their utmost to develop the common in
terests of the two kindred nations.
4. Making due allowance for the irresponsibility of journalists, I think it
may still safely be said that Ibn Sa’ud is a popular figure in this country and
that the people have never shared or taken any live interest in the Hasimite
feud with the House of Sa’ud. Most Iraqis respect Ibn Sa’ud for his personal
achievements and for the honour which he has brought to the Arab race. The