File 2182/1913 Pt 8 'Arabia – Policy towards Bin Saud' [‎274r] (132/602)

No. 1174—7-C., dated Koweit, the 3rd Augufc 1918.
Endorsed by Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , Koweit.
Copy to—
Civil Commissioner, Baghdad,
Deputy Civil Commissioner, Basrah,
Deputy Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. , Bushire.
H. St. J. Philby, Esq., C.I.E., Najd Mission.
Telegram, No. 1222, dated (and received) the 15th August 1918 (Confidential).
From—Political, Koweit,
To—Political, Baghdad. f ‘ 5
Following from Philby, M.-138, August 1st:— Begins. Please see thirdly
of my M.-llOof July 18th. Apparently reliable arrival from Hail reports
that Ajaimas party with 80 camel loads duly arrived Hail from Koweit. Also
reports 1,000 camels left Hail for Damascus about one month ago with
accumulated stocks of smuggled goods. Caravan is to bring back ibn Laila
and baggage. Ibn Rashid still at Hail and no apparent sign of early move.
Ardwan Ibn Remal has approached Turki for a man but latter has replied
be cannot entertain request, except on conditions of removal with tribesmen
to place to be appointed for residence in Najd. E&ds.
104
Telegram P., No. 1405, dated the 23rd (received 24th) September 1918.
From—His Majesty's High Commissoner, Egjpt, Cairo,
q 0 —The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
(Addressed to Foreign Office ; sent to Baghdad.)
King Hussain’s reply to Colonel Basset’s letter about proposed meeting
between brother of Bin Sand and Sheriff Abdulla is not very satisfactory.
Sheriff of Mecca is in a very difficult and suspicious frame of mind as already
reported. He expresses his willingness to receive at any time brother of Bin
Sand and to do him honour but he makes no reference to presence of British
representatives. He also frankly expresses his dislike to Ikhwan sect which
he stigmatizes by calling them a political society working to detriment of
Arab interests under guise of religion. I fear that no good will come of
meeting immediately and until matter has been previously discussed fully
between Abdulla and Political Officer. The fall of Medina which is
probable owing to victories in Palestine will render it impossible to withdraw
Abdulla to coast for this purpose. In circumstances I must recommend all
arrangements for meeting be deferred for present.
105
Telegram P., No, 8060, dated the 26th (received 27th) September 1918.
From—The Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Baghdad,
To—The Foreign Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Simla.
(Addressed Secretary of State; repeated Cairo.)
Maintenance of blockade at Koweit should be shortly rendered unneces
sary owing to recent successes in Palestine. Despatch of troops to Koweit if
contemplated might conveniently be deferred in these circumstances. Despatch
of 1,000 rifles to Ibn Saud is however still advocated by me and I hope that
this will be sanctioned.
This refers to my telegram* of the
• Serial No. 100 . Septemberj No , 7593 .