'File 61/14 VII (D 51) Relations between Nejd and Iraq' [‎8v] (31/416)

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37. The second question relates to the air-
route along the south-western coast of the
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. (E'ile No. 117-N|28), and the
supply of British pilots and mechanics to organise
and operate Ibn Sa'ud's air service. On this
question I made no attempt to approach Ibn
Sa'ud. No settlement in regard to the main
object of my mission having been arrived at,
I did not judge it desirable to broach the ques
tion, even tentatively.
38. In your letter No. 59092128, of the 18th
(17th ?) April (Enclosure of Serial No. 195 in
F. No. 63-N.|28) mention is made of a proposal
put forward by the High Commissioner for
Iraq, for a revised interpretation of Article 5
of the Bahra Agreement. This matter was dis
cussed at Jedda and Ibn Sa'ud signified his
agreement to the principle of the revised inter
pretation as proposed by the High Commissioner
for Iraq and concurred in by the High Com
missioner for Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan . In view, however,
of the deadlock on the main question, it was not
possible to secure Ibn Sa'ud's final assent to
this proposal.
39. On his side, the King put forward a pro
posal for the conclusion of a Bon Voisinage An agreement or treaty based on principles of 'good neighbourliness', often signed between countries which share borders.
Agreement, which was fully discussed between
his advisers and the Iraq delegates. Similar
discussions took place on the subject of the
proposed Extradition Agreement, on the basis
of the draft brought by Mr. Cornwallis and
approved by the Council of Ministers in Bagh
dad. The proceedings and the progress made
with regard to both Agreements are fully
reported in Annexure 2,* while the texts of the
relevant drafts will be found in Annexures 5
and 6. I am of opinion that the conclusion of
two such agreements would be a distinct step
forward in the direction of improving the
relations between Iraq and Najd. I would also
recommend that efforts be made to obtain the
assent of the Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan Government to the
conclusion of two similar agreements between
Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan and Najd. Lord Plumer with
whom I discussed this matter in Jerusalem
declared himself thoroughly in favour of my
proposal.
40. In the absence, however, of an amicable
settlement on the major question of the posts,
I do not anticipate that Ibn Sa'ud would consent
at this stage to the conclusion of either of the
proposed Agreements. But this contingency
need not deter the Iraq Government from draw
ing up their own proposals in the light of Mr.
Cornwallis's report to them ; so that, in the
event of my Mission being sent out to resume
negotiations with Ibn Sa'ud, I might find it
possible to carry discussions a stage further
towards finality.
41. One other question was brought up by Ibn
Sa ud namely the appointment of accredited
Najdi representatives in the mandated territories
of Iraq, Palestine and Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan . His
Majesty gave me to understand that he wajs
dissatisfied with the growing number of conten
tious disputes, mostly of a trivial nature, which
arose between Najdi trading caravans and petty
officials in Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan and Palestine. He also
telt the need of a tactful and reliable person
to represent him and defend his interests before
the Governments of Iraq, Palestine and Trans-
jordan. Another reason which had prompted
this proposal on His Majesty's part was his dis
satisfaction with the delays which often took
place m the exchange of letters and messages.
'"Not received.
He proposed that a fully accredited representa
tive should be appointed by him to Baghdad, and
another to Jerusalem, The latter's credentials
would cover both Palestine and Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan ,
42. On this question, too, I am of. opinion that
the adoption of Ibn Sa'ud's proposals would be
a step in the right direction. I am informed
by Mr. Antonius that the High Commissioner
for Palestine is prepared to assent to the
appointment of a Najdi representative in Jeru
salem, It would be desirable that the views of
the Iraq Government on this matter be ascer
tained at an early opportunity. The appoint
ment of a Najdi representative in Baghdad
would entail the prior recognition by Iraq of
Ibn Sa'ud as King of the Hejaz and of Najd
and its Dependencies, and there is reason to
believe that King Faisal would not. readily
assent to the granting of such recognition. It
cannot be denied, on the other hand, that the
formal recognition of the de facto sovereign
of an adjoining country with which Iraq is in
friendly treaty relations cannot be indefinitely
withheld without prejudice to good relations
between the two countries, and it is a matter
for consideration whether the present crisis does
not afford a suitable opportunity to grant
Ibn Sa'ud the recognition on which he not un
naturally lays great stress. In this connection
I would point out that Ibn Sa'ud's proposal for
the conclusion of a Bon Voisinage An agreement or treaty based on principles of 'good neighbourliness', often signed between countries which share borders. Agreement will
stand or fall according as the desired recognition
is granted, or withheld,
tvt 43 " ^ tlie 20til the King proceeded to
Mecca after a formal farewell meeting at the
Mission House on the afternoon of that day.
His principal advisers remained in Jedda where
two or three meetings were held daily with
■ 0 ™ the 22nd Mr - Cornwallis and
Captain Glubb sailed for Egypt where they'
returned to Baghdad by air. On the 25th
May' I sailed from Jedda on board H. M. S.
Dahlia " for Port Sudan, with Mr. Antonius
and Flight Lieutenant Moore, and on the
morning of our arrival in Port Sudan, I left
±or Cairo by the overland route. On the day
of my arrival in Cairo (31st May) I proceeded
to Jerusalem where I conferred with the High
Commissioner and the British Resident,
Amman, on the matters affecting Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan .
Alter a stay of two days in Jerusalem, I pro
ceeded with Mr. Antonius and Flight
Lieutenant Moore to Porte Said where we
embarked on the P. and O. S. S. " Naldera
. ^ cannot close this report without express-
^ r 6 8' ra ^ uc ^ e of myself and the members of
the Mission to His Majesty the King of the
Hejaz and Najd and to the officials of his Gov
ernment for their unvarying courtesy and con
sideration. Our conversation were conducted
throughout in an atmosphere of amity and
mutual confidence, and everything possible was
done for our comfort and convenience.
Mr Stonehewer Bird and his staff gave us
every heip and I should like especially to men
tion Mr. Seagar and Mr. Thacker of the
Consular staff, on whom the presence of the
Mission threw considerable extra work.
The presence of Mr. Cornwallis and Captain
Glubb was of great assistance. Their know
ledge of local conditions in Iraq was always at
my disposal and I feel that it is of value for
the future that they should* have had the oppor-
tu o y , . makm g Personal acquaintance with
Ibn Sa ud and his advisers.