'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Part I Historical and Political Materials, Précis of Nejd [Najd] Affairs, 1804-1904' [‎45] (58/72)

45
spread expcctatiQii that the "Wahabi leaders will seize the opportunity to renew the stru^Ie
in tl-Hasa^ but no sure or tvu^worthy intelligence has been received of the real policy "and
intentions ot Abdullah bio Fey sal and his suppoiters. ; '
172. Similar rumours of the intention of Abdullah and his nephews to march
Proceedings, August 1880, Nos. iss-iss, against Hasa and Katif were receiv-
* (AbdiTlziz. August of the same year. At
lAbdiiUah. this time Abdullah and his nephews*
ur aimau. continued to live in peace and friend
ship ; the latter possessed Kharj, Hotah, Harik, Aflaj, etc., and had
followers of the Ajman, Morrah and Dowasir tribes. Abdullah con
tinued to live in Eiadh with his brothers, Mahomed and Abdul Rahman.
Two of his sons were said to have died of small-pox, and one only remained,
named Turki, who was blind.
173. In September of this year it was reported from Bahrein that the
Proceedings, September 1880, Nos. 213-214. combination against Hasa and Katif
had collapsed owing to dissensions amonsr
the Chiefs of the Ajman tribe.
XXXIX.—Sheikh Abdullah bin Thanneyyan, 1879—1880.
174. About this time the Wahabi Sheikh Abdullah bin Abdullah Than
neyyan, of the Saud family, began to attract attention. This Sheikh was
the son of Abdullah who, for a short time in 1842, was ninth Amir of Nejd,
having headed a successful rising against the Egyptian garrison. He was a
distant cousin of Abdullah bin Peysal, (See genealogical table above para?*
graph ).
175. In October 1879 Colonel Ross reported that Abdullah bin Thanneyyan
Secret, January 1880, No. 65. W L ho had 1)6611 residing at Basrah for
three years past, endeavouring to obtain
from the Turks the appointment of Governor of Hasa, had determined to
proceed to Constantinople to try and obtain for himself—(1) the Amirship of
Nejd, which he would hold as a feudatory of the Porte, and for which he
would pay any reasonable tribute ; or (2) the Governorship of Hasa on
similar conditions ; or (3) the proceeds of his share of the ^Saud property
at Hasa and Katif, which the Turks had confiscated.
176. On his way down the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. the Sheikh called on Colonel Ross
at Bushire He represented that he was proceeding to Constantinople with
the object above stated, and he added that he had understood from the Turkish
authorities at Basrah that the Porte would be glad to arrive at an understand
ing with the Saud family to relieve themselves of the expense of holding
Hasa and Katif. He believed that though the Turkish authorities did not
consider it politic to initiate the proposal, mediation would be acceptable, and
that the most appropriate mediator would be the British Ambassador at Cons
tantinople.
177. On arrival at Jeddah the Sheikh wrote to Colonel Ross explaining
why he had left Basrah for Constantinople, and stating that he desired the
British Ambassador to use his influence with the Porte. He pointed out the
advantages to be gained by Turkey in making over Nejd, Hasa and Katif
to the Saud family; and the advantages to England should he obtain
what he wanted, and he concluded with a hint that if he was in want of funds
to carry out his plans, the British Government might lend him what was
needful.
178. In his despatch No. 31 of 23rd July 1880 the Secretary of State for-
secret, October i 8 80, No. 162. ™ r< * ed . copy of cor^pondence regarding
the designs of Sheikh Abdullah el Than
neyyan. On his way to Constantinople the Sheikh stayed for a time at Cairo,
where he was lodged in one of the Khedive's palaces. Here he Lad two inter
views with Mr. Malet, the British Consul, and explained his wishes. Mr.
Malet referred to Her Majesty's Government for instructions as to how he
should reply to the Sheikh. The London foreign Office consulted the India
Office on the subject, and the reply of the latter was that it was doubtful