'Report by Sir Gilbert Clayton, K.C.M.G., K.B.E., C.B., on his Mission to the King of Hejaz and of Najd and its Dependencies, for the purpose of negotiating a settlement of outstanding questions. (July-August, 1928)' [‎13] (15/52)

13
15. A sharp attack of fever incapacitated me for the next four
days, during which Taufiq Bey Suwaidi had an interview with the
King and discussions with his advisers. He was unable, however,
to bring about any change in Ibn Sa'ud's attitude and I decided to
fix the date of our departure for Thursday, the 9th August, requesting
the presence at Jeddah of H.M.S. Clematis on that date.
16. During my indisposition the King paid me a personal visit
for the purpose of asking after my health, and two days later
Mr. Antonius had an interview with him in order to convey my thanks
for his kindness and courtesy. During this visit Mr. Antonius had
the opportunity of conversation on the questions under discussion
and I also had another interview on the 8th August, the day before
our departure.
17. On both these occasions the King, while maintaining his
attitude unchanged, gave clear evidence of his sincere desire to avoid
any break of his relations with His Majesty's Government, and gave
us the very definite impression that he meant to do his utmost
to keep his tribesmen under control and to maintain peace on the
frontier. I am of opinion that, while he has been somewhat shaken
by the, to him, unexpected attitude of His Majesty's Government
in the matter of the Uqair Protocol and by their decision in respect
of the advanced posts, his long-standing feelings of friendship towards
Great Britain remain substantially unchanged, and that he will
do his utmost to maintain friendly relations and observe the
provisions of existing agreements.
18. He appears convinced that his obligations towards his people
in Najd render it impossible for him to give way, and it is probable
that he hopes, by holding out firmly, to make it clear that he has
supported them, thus strengthening his influence to an extent
which will enable him to keep them in hand and prevent any serious
outbreak.
19. If this is a correct appreciation, there is justifiable hope that
the situation may resolve itself in the course of time, provided no
untoward incidents on the frontier inflame it afresh.
20. I recommend, therefore, that the policy to be adopted be one
of scrupulous observance of existing agreements and that, above all,
no violation of the Najd frontier be permitted, unless a situation of
such gravity should arise as to render abnormal measures unavoidable
and entirely justifiable. There will almost certainly be unrest, and
possibly a recrudescence of raiding across the frontier in the coming
autumn and winter ; but the line between raiding and deliberate
hostile attack should be kept clearly defined. Constant vigilance
and a carefully thought out defensive organisation will be essential,
but I submit that the measures taken should be such as cannot