File 87/1926 Pt 2 'Arabia: Bin Saud: Relations with H.M.G. Revision of Treaty.' [‎253r] (193/840)

tlu 6 matter was in any way prejudiced.
After further discussion tue su ftj -estion that
irticio 6 should be omitted was concurred in generally
by the Conference, and the desirability of attempting
to obtain in its pi'ice the inclusion of a comprenensive
mcst-favoured-nation clause was then discussed. adLi
Jordan explained that in tne iiejaz, in Jxzv of our
friendly relations witi. Ibn laud, and his dependence
upon the British Agent for advice m ail matters of
foreign policy, this country already occupied a specially
privileged position in tne Rejaz. ihe inclusion oi n
most favoured nation clause mignt have the contrary
effect to tnat contemplated; it might in practice
operate not as a safeguard but as an invitation to Ibn
Baud to reduce this country to the level oi other powers.
The Conference agrees tha , m iuese circu'iiSuancee, it
would be inadvisable to embody such a clause in the
Treaty.
3. it was finally decided i>o recoRimenci that,
provided that the Foreign Office, after consulting their
Legal Advisers, were satisfied that t^c omission of
Article 6 could not be heid to involve a final abandon
ment of our claim to capitulatory rights in the Hajaz.
and would not debar us from reviving that claim at a
later dale in concert with other capitulatory powers,
tuat Article should be omitted, and that for the protection
of British subjects in the ilejaz, las Majesty's Government
should rely upon the existing practice of direct inter
vention by the British Consul witn Ibn oaud.
4. The Conference then examined the draft treaty,
article