File 2182/1913 Pt 4 'Persian Gulf: Policy towards Bin Saud (Capt. Shakespear's Mission)' [‎88r] (175/426)

“ Bin Sand’s ” part to obtain from us some further extension of those
assurances. The subject, however, is one which need not be discussed until I
have met the Chief and ascertained exactly how his aims and inclinations may
have been affected by the war.
3. I have arranged to leave Koweit on or about the 11 th December and in
the absence of suitable camels being obtainable locally have been indebted to
Shaikh Sir Mubarak as Subah for part of my transport.
4. One copy of this letter, with its |enclosure, is being sent direct to
Sir Percy Cox, and another handed to the 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, for his
information.
Sub-Enclo. to Enclo. to Serial No. 40.
Translation of a letter from Abdul Aziz al-Faisal “ Bin Saud,” Ruler of Najd and Chief
of its tribes, to Captain W. H. I. Shakespear, dated the lOthjMohurram 1334) (28th
November 1914).
After compliments —
and after we are still observing the incumbencies of affection and friend
ship and thanks be to God all our affairs are well and in every respect would
please you. We have received your letter of the 1 st Mohurram 1334 (20th
November 1914) and we rejoiced in your safety and what you stated we under
stood, both regarding your arrival in Koweit and I praised God for your health
and safety. Then I would inform you that your letter which you sent from
Bahrain we have received it and what you proposed regarding the meeting : and
if you intend starting our road will be the Um Majamajim (one) to Hafar
and as for us this is the date of our leaving Qasim Inshallah and I cannot give
you a definite date because affairs do not admit of fixing my movements
(accurately) and Inshallah if w r e are (fully) aware of our movements we will
let you know either (our message) will reach you on the way or it will find you
at Koweit. You spoke of Seyyid Talib that when you were at Koweit that
he had fled from the Turks and I think that that is not correct and if you
and I meet you will ascertain the truth and his course is the reverse of what
you think and as for me you know my hearty affection and I do not accept as
true the words of the intriguer or adviser unless I find him (the latter) a good
man and my efforts are only to profit my condition and protect my religion
and my honour and you know that I am a person who (desires) to remain
quiet and in repose so that it (my state) may not become impaired and but in
these times of disturbance my friends among the Arabs’ chiefs may become
» displeased with me (if I do not act according to their desires) so I can but
sacrifice my life and wealth for them in all circumstances. And my hopes
are strong in God and then in the Glorious Government (British) that the
matter may be arranged as desired for the protection of the religion and honour:
and please God when the meeting takes place the real objects will be disclosed
from both sides. I hope from God, may He be praised and magnified, that we
may agree upon what will be good for the religion and the people, and please
God we are in regard to the others (Turks) as you are aware.
This is what was necessary and salaam, etc.