Concessions in Bahrein [Bahrain], Kuwait, &c: correspondence, 1932-Jul 1933 (Colonial Office Secret Print, Middle East No.49) [‎123r] (247/284)

219
^iO I, myself, toured the southern frontier from 24th to 27th—the period of
the Shaikh's second " dash " into the desert, and I gathered from Ibn Jama, the
paramount Shaikh of the Awazim, whom 1 met, that Ibn Jaloui and His Majesty King
Abdul Aziz had arranged to meet in the Summan area (Mutair Country to the imme
diate south of Safa) somewhere about the end of February and that he (Ibn Tama)
had got this from Ibn Jaloui himself on the 14th February in Hoffuf.
11. In view of the above facts, I have a shrewd suspicion—though I say this
most guardedly—that the Shaikh went to meet the King by pre-arranged agreement;
that he failed on his first journey, came back for more petrol and did actually meet
him on the 25th or 26th February.
12. If the above meeting did actually take place one may, I think, justifiably
conclude that two things were discussed :—
(a) Bin Saud's desperate need for money;
(h) Oil question.
Under (a) it is not entirely beyond the bounds of possibility that he asked for a
loan and in return offered some relief from the " Blockade."
If (b) was discussed—also with the intention of getting money—the presence of
Mohamed Yatim, Major Holmes's emissary with the Shaikh's party is significant.
13. All car-drivers, personnel, &c., who accompanied the Shaikh's party seem
averse to talking, and appear to be bound to secrecy, but the truth will doubtless come
out before long.
14. I report the above rather interesting facts for your information, as they
possibly presage some interesting move in the near future on the part of the Shaikh or
the King.
15. On the other hand I may be all wrong in my surmises and repeat that what I
have said must be taken with great caution.
I have, &c.,
H, R. P. Dickson,
Lieutenant-Colonel,
Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , Kuwait
After Note.
Nothing further has come out (8.3.33) to show that the Shaikh met the King in
the Summan area. On the other hand the Shaikh may have met the King's brother-in-
law, Saud al Arafa, who is said to have returned from Mecca and gone hunting in the
vicinity of the Turabi. The King was last reported at Hafar al Atz.
To the Honourable the Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
Bushire.
Translation of a letter . No. 863, dated 14 th Shauwal , 1351 (9.2.33), from His
Majesty King Abdul Aziz bin Abdur Rahman al Faisal, to His Excellency
Shaikh Sir Ahmad al Jabir as-Sabah, K.C.I.E , C.S.I., Ruler of Kuwait.
After Compliments,
Your letters have, lately, been coming to us after such long intervals that we
have thought fit to send our servant Al Rubai with this our letter, so as to keep this
accustomed practice uninterrupted, and to inform you that you are always in our mind,
as well as, to inquire about your precious health.
Please do not fail to write regularly to us, giving us news of your good self and
letting us know if anything be required by you.
We, ourselves, are by the grace of God, in the best of health and happiness, and
the news of our side is that matters are going on smoothly in all directions.
Usual ending.
Translation of Mulhaq No. 1 to letter No. 863, dated 14 th Shauwal , 1351
(9.2.33) from His Majesty King Abdul Aziz bin Abdur Rahman al Faisal,
to His Excellency Shaikh Sir Admad al Jabir as-Sabah, K.C.I.E., C.S.I.,
Ruler of Kuwait.
Brother ! May God save you.
As regards the promise which I made to you last year I, your brother, favoured
the idea greatly and was getting myself ready, when this Yaman business intruded,