File 2182/1913 Pt 8 'Arabia – Policy towards Bin Saud' [‎335v] (255/602)

discontented frame of mind. Therefore chose latter alternative and takimj
advantage of his financial situation offered him loan of dollars lying idle at
TJauair n on condition of action against Shammar. He accepted offer and
Offensive was arranged to open beginning of Bamdhan. Meanwhile prepara-
tions went ahead with every reasonable hope of success if nothing untowaid
philby then records series of untoward events including koweit blockade,
attack on Khorma by Sheriff, tribal difficulties arising out of conflicting
interests of authorities in Koweit, Mesopotamia and Inn San .
lignins. Above events following each other in rapid succession are
making my position here increasingly difficult and unenvmble. Ibn Saud is
beginmno’ to show signs of restlessness and dissatisfaction suspecting either the
ImSfides of our policy or tlie force of my advocacy and representation.
General pubto feeling always hostile and sceptical of our intentions is
beginning to seriously challenge wisdom of Ibn Sand’s alliance and policy and
oplnly demands vigorous reply to action of Sheriff and Apnan. Ibn Sand
fully realises that break with us would be disastrous to his future but is in
verv difficult position. He cannot indefinitely allow me to keep his bands
tied while his enemies enjoying our protection are actually attacking nu
both sides and what I fear most of all is that public opinion will prove too
strong for him to resist. As it is, confident in our will and power to restrain
Sheriff he has pledged himself to go to assistance of people ot Khurma if
again attacked and he will do the same with Ajman if we insist. Meanwhile
all these complications are seriously delaying operations against Sharomar
who take but fourth place in list of enemies to Sheriff, Ajman and Koweit.
I have given assurances that above matters will engage tavourable attention
of Government and nothing but tangible result from such assurances will
restore our prestige in Central Arabia which has suffered serious diminution
through recent events. I have made specific recommendations in all cases
and trust they will have urgent consideration. It is for Government to decide
relative importance of placating Ibn Saud by abiding by its undertakings or
his enemies by permitting them to transgress, hut it is my duty to utter
warning that whatever scepticism may prevail in high quarters regarding Ibn
Sand’s military power and ability to harm onr vital interests no doubts at all
should he allowed regarding the will to war inspiring his subjects.
We have now unparalled opportunity of establishing a commanding influ
ence and both now and hereafter in Central Arabia by a little firmness in
repressing the aggressive tendencies of onr allies and proteges and Ibn Saud
who has stood faithfully by his engagements in spite of promptings from within
and aggression from without will not he blameworthy if the situation gets out
of hand.
Trust matters may receive serious and sympathetic consideration and
request that in future, if no objection, I may be consulted before action taken
in matters affecting Jfajd. Ends.
As regards last sentence it will he realised that as every reference to
Philby involves at least a month’s delay, it is seldom practicable to consult
him on urgent questions that arise daily. More follows.
42
Telegram R., No. 6490, dated the 7th (received 9th) August 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 Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla (repeated to His Majesty's Secretary of State for India and
High Commissioner, Egypt).
On July 9th I communicated to Philby for his information as a matter
of routine the purport of recent reports regarding activities of Ibn Rashid,
Philby replies under date July 24th by telegraph from Koweit as follows:—
Begins. Though not explicitly indicated understand that these telegrams arc