File 2182/1913 Pt 8 'Arabia – Policy towards Bin Saud' [‎322r] (228/602)

tants and the governing family of Bin Sand, and also in view of the knowledge
we possess as to the circumstances of the Arabs.”
Sir Percy Cox replied to Bin Saud as follows in a letter dated the ‘26th June,
^1915':—
“ As regards the treaty, I have understood what you wrote, explaining that
you had made certain modifications in the text. I have not the least doubt that
we shall succeed in adjusting the wording of the articles into a form which will
suit both parties and safeguard the interests of yourself and us ; but, as the wording
was difierent to what the Government had approved previously, it has been
necessary for me to refer it to them.”
On the same date he forwarded to the Government of India translations of his own
and Bin Saud’s drafts in parallel columns, adding a schedule of Bin Sand’s alterations,
and commenting upon them. It may be convenient to set out the two versions in this
memorandum :—
British draft. Bin Baud's draft.
In the name of God the Merciful and In the name of God the Merciful and
Compassionate. Compassionate.
The High British Government on its own part,
and Abdul Aziz-hip-Abdur Rahman-bin-Faisal al-
Saud, Ruler of Najd, A1 Hasa and Qatif, on
behalf of himself, his heirs and successors and
tribesmen, being desirous of confirming and
strengthening the friendly relations which have
for generations existed between the two parties,
and with a view to consolidating their respective
interests—the British Government have named
and appointed Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Percy Cox,
K.C.I.E., C.S.I., British Resident in the Persian
Gulf, as their Plenipotentiary to conclude a Treaty
for this purpose with Abdul Aziz-bin-Abdur
Rahman-bin-Paisal al-Saud,
The said Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Percy Cox, and
Abdul Aziz-bin-Abdur Rahman-bin-Faisal al-
Saud, hereafter known as “ Bin Saud/’ have agreed
upon and concluded the following articles :—
L
The British Government do acknowledge and
admit that Najd, A1 Hasa and Qatif,
and their territories and ports on the shores of
the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. are the territory of Bin Saud
and of his fathers before him, and do hereby
recognise the said Bin Saud as the independent
Ruler thereof,
and after him his sons and descendants by in
heritance, but the selection of the individual shall
be subject to the approval of the British Government,
after confidential consultation with them.
II.
In the event of unprovoked aggression by any
Foreign Power on the territories of the said Bin
Saud and his descendants, the British Govern
ment will aid Bin Saud to such extent and in
such manner as the situation may seem to them
to require.
[939J
The High British Government on its own part,
and Abdul Aziz-bin-Abdur Rahman-bin-Faisal
as-Saud, Ruler of Najd, El Hasa, Qatif, Mail,
and the towns and ports belonginq to them, on
behalf of himself, his heirs and successors and
tribesmen, being desirous of confirming and
strengthening the friendly relations which have
for a long time existed between the two parties,
and with a view to consolidating their respective
interests—the British Government have named
and appointed Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Percy Cox,
K.C.I.E., C.S.I., British Resident in the Persian
Gulf, as their Plenipotentiary, to conclude a Treaty
for this purpose with Abdul Aziz-bin-Abdur
Rahman-bin-Faisal as-Saud,
The said Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Percy Cox, and
Abdul Aziz-bin-Abdur Rahman-bin-Faisal as-Saud,
hereafter known as “ Bin Saud,” have agreed upon
and concluded the following articles :—
I.
The British Government do acknowledge and
admit that Najd, El Hasa, Qatif, Jubail, their
dependencies and territories, which will be discussed
and determined hereafter, and their territories and
ports on the shores of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. are the
countries of Bin Saud and of his fathers before
him and do hereby recognise the said Bin Saud as
the independent Ruler thereof and as absolute
Chief of their tribes,
and after him his sons and descendants by
inheritance, but the selection of the individual
shall be according to the designation of his
successor (by the living Ruler) or by the calling
for the votes of the subjects inhabiting those
countries.
II.
In the event of aggression by any
Foreign Power on the territories of the countiies
belonging to the said Bin Saud, and his
descendants, the British Government will aid Bin
Saud in all circumstances and in any place.
D