File 2182/1913 Pt 8 'Arabia – Policy towards Bin Saud' [‎386r] (357/602)

From Political, Baghdad, 9th October 1918.
{Repeated to Foreign and Cairo.)
(Received 11th, 4 p.m.)
8582. Following has been received from Philby, 5th October,
M.195 :—
“ (}) Rashid, ignorant of Bin Sand’s plan, left Hail about 7th with
about 500 men on raid against Harb, whom he attacked at Humailiya near
4al Aban about the 11th, capturing 30 camels, losing HO men killed. Then
getting wind of Bin Saud s movement, hastened back to Sabaan, where he
had left his baggage.
(2) Meanwhile Bin Satid was delayed three days at Tarafiya owing to
non-appearance of Ghatgat contingent, and arrived at Qusaiba about 13th,
whence he marched next day to Ajfar wells, one day east of Hail.
“ (- 9 >) Shammar, at A1 Sidr wells, one day east-north-east of Hail, had
decamped, and patrol reported Bin Rashid at Sabaan for Id festival 16th.
Bin Sand marched on 17th to A1 Sidr, whence on the 18th he sent out two
parties under Fahad Bin Muammar and Faisal Bin Hashra, himself with
main force following.
“(4) lahad reported that Bin Rashid had hastily returned to Hail,
leaving Bin Shuraim with baggage in Qasrs of Sabaan, and Faisal reported
that Beni 5 asraf section of Shammar with great herd of camels and sheep
occupied line of Dhaba Akkass Sefaila, last named being about a mile east
of Hail. Meanwhile, Bin Rashid with retainers had thrown themselves in
stronghold Maaiwij Baqaa, about three hours north-east of Hail in hills,
leaving garrison to defend Hail.
‘‘ (5) Bin Saud, keeping strong reserve for emergencies, launched Akhwan
on Sufaila, where they killed 30 of Beni ^ ahraf and captured whole of herd
of camels, said to number 3,000, countless sheep, themselves losing two men
and three horses killed. Number of camels doubtless exaggerated, but is
certainly very large. Cavalry rode round wal ls of Hail, challenging sortie,
and were fired upon with rifles but no artillery!
“ v0) Council of war decided against attempting attack on Maaiwij
stronghold, and Bin Saud retired with booty to A1 Sidr.
“ (7) During retirement of rear patrol, three men captured convoy of five
camels on the way from Hail to Bin Rashid with ammunition. Total
amount, 10,000 rounds of ammunition.
“ (8; Reaching Ajfar, Bin Saud on the morning of 22nd began retirement
towards Qusaiba with patrols out watching Bin Rashid. If latter remains
where he is Bin Saud will probably return to Tarafiya where I hope to
rejoin him on 25th.
“ (9) Summary. Providential opportunity of catching Bin Rashid in J
open has been badly missed owing to dilatory tactics. Nevertheless, |
material gain of camels, sheep and ammunition is considerable and most l
important factor is mor al effec t of opening of campaign and by penetration
of arms of Bin Saud to gate of Hail and inability of Bin Rashid to
accept challenge. I believe this is first time since independence of Hail
that Bin Saud invader has looked on capital. Above is ground for both
satisfaction and redoubled caution as Bin Rashid is in honour bound to take
up challenge and will spare no effort to collect forces from Shammar now
receiving allowances from us. Campaign has opened with excellent
prospects and trust most strenuous efforts will be made to keep subsidised
section in their places.”