'File 53/7 C (D 6) Koweit [Kuwait] Affairs, 1903-1904' [‎244v] (508/611)

Negotiations appear to be on foot between the Sbeikh Abdul Houda and
the Imam, which it is hoped may result in a satisfactory understanding. At
the same time the Sultan cannot view without anxiety the existing situation of
affairs. The tribes of the Hedjaz are restless, a large section of the Mountefik
is, or has beea recently, in open revolt, and the Mutessarif of Nejd has
apparently been compelled to retire from El Hasa on account of the opposition
he has created among the local sheikh8 3 as shown by the telegram No. 2 here
with inclosed.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) N. R. O'GONOK
Inclosure 1 in No. 2.
Emir of Nejd to the Grand Vizier*
(Translation.)
(Telegraphic.) January T, 1904,
« » * « * «
W e have already explained, by means of the special emissaries charged
with presenting our humble offerings to His Imperial Majesty, that we have
never incited or invited the relatives or dependants of Mubarak-es-Sebah to take
refuge with us. As regards the relations of these people to us, to whom [else]
should they resort for protection ? For, as we are the faithful subjects of His
Majesty, our friends and the friends of the Caliph are the same.
Mubarak Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. not only did not assent to our proposals and prayers for
the restitution of their property and belongings to these unfortunate people, but
he has dared to attack our men and slay and plunder them. This diminishes
our power and injuriously affects our honour and prestige amongst the tribes.
Whereas we are still in a position to punish him (Mubarak), and to arrest him
and hand him over alive to the Imperial Government, but we have been com
pelled to defer energetic action pending the Imperial orders of the Commander
of the Faithful. As for him, he has recently given proof of his relations with
and subjection to the English. In fact, we have ascertained beyond doubt that
he has been scheming to conclude a Treaty with them, and it is certain that
cannon and munitions will be given to him by England and introduced into the
country. It is right that the Government should be aware of the difficulties
and troubles to which this will give rise in these parts.
Our object being to secure peace and tranquillity, to protect the pilgrim
route, to prove our fidelity to His Imperial Majesty, and protect our power and
prestige from diminution, while he is stirring up much trouble and sedition in
these countries—and especially in Nejd and its neighbourhood—and as it is our
duty to defend the land of the Kaaba of our worship from sedition and revolt,
I beg your Highness to inform me, as soon as may be possible, what steps the
Imperial Government decided to take in this matter.
Inclosure 2 in No. 2.
Sheikhs and Notables of the Nejd Sandjak to the Grand Vizier,
(Translation.)
(Telegraphic.) January 87,1904.
THE proceedings of the Mutessarif Mohammad Talib Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. are not only
reducing the sandjak to ruin, but will bring the greatest trouble upon the
State, which is even now beginning to make itself evident. As has happened
in the Mountefik, so in this district also, not only the nomad tribes, but the
settled ray ah population also, is ready to rise and seek other abiding-places,
for pillage, murder, and outrage have come to be the normal state of affairs.
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