File 2182/1913 Pt 8 'Arabia – Policy towards Bin Saud' [‎416r] (417/602)

goa ,Qff yamsaM*
From Chief Political Officer, Baghdad, ^
Dated 10th September, 1918*
(R). 7548, On 19th August I communicated to Philby
text of message for transmission in m± writing f Ibn Saud
embracing orders of H*M Govt, conveyed in Secretary of
State's telegram of 15th August* Following reply received
from him dated 27th August No .M. 173.
"Have not yet had time to translate message to
deliver in writing but hope to do so to-morrow and will
send copy as desired* Meanwhile have verbally translated
message literally to Ibn Saud informing him would give him
written copy in supersession of my provisional guarantee*
He expressed himself grateful for clauses 5 a^cl 6
and fully appreciates difficulties mentioned (1) and (4)
and anxious of British Government amidst greater cares
protect interests itself Arab Allies, As regards (3)
expressed hope that letter/Sharif will open up path to t
c re-establishment of friendly relations and professes his
readiness to meet him half-way. Clause (2) he did not
like and expressed hope Government would not allow any
further attack on Khurma as it would re-open trouble
among Najd tribes who have been temporarily pacified by k
his assurances. Incidentally he has just received another
pressing letter from Khurma. He will probably give me
written reply when I deliver message in writing but in
general he expressed himself satistied that m essentials
Government's message endorsed my guarantees except ior
clause raising Khurma and omission ^ of ^mention of Shammar
and Ajman which latter I assured him is matter on wnich
reference H.M.Government unnecessary but was receiving
full consideration locally,
HGovernment's first message
wiuou not be allowed develop, —- - -- , _, ,
will throw Najd again into ferment. Should be realized
that vast majority people suffer % more than half their day h*
prayer and other religious exercises and shijuld^t be
dealt with as fully reasonable beings. Their vision t is
hopelessly limited and their souls sour with fanaticism.
If satisfactory arrangement Khurma difficulty
can be arrived at prospect re-establishment friendly
relations seem bright enough and if King serious guarantees
visit why not arrange meeting at Larran. .. - .
If the two rulers can arrive mutual satisfact
ory settlement boundary so much the .better* In view of
this have included mention King desire visiw Ibn oaud m
message. Otherwise am convinced that action on lines
suggested in my M, 147 8th Aug, affords onl} guarantee
peace . ^Xegram last quoted was repeated by me to High
Commissioner 20th August and transmitted by Hi$i
Commissioner to Foreign Office. Copy posted to India
21st August.