File 756/1917 Pt 2-3 ‘ARAB BULLETIN Nos 66-114’ [‎195r] (398/834)

IBN RASHID’S MAIL.
Sherif Abdullah has sent in to King Husein a first instalment
of the letters captured from Ibn Rashid’s party at Jauf {see
p. 176, etc.), and with them a covering despatch, describing
Abdullah ibn Dakhil’s action. Says Abdullah :—
“God prospered the undertaking, and be (Abdullah ibn
Dakhil) killed all the men of the detachment, and captured the
letters which are enclosed. These letters are worthy of publication
in the ‘ Kibla,’ because they contain a weighty complaint from
the last of the Arab Emirs to remain in the shadow of the Turks,
and proclaim what he suffered in the way of insults despite his
patience and steadfastness towards them. It will be an argument
against such as blame tho.se who rise against the Turanians.
Two of the captured letters are formal notifications to the
G.O.C. 4th Army, at Damascus, and to Enver Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. at
Constantinople, of Ibn Rashid’s departure from Medain Salih
and arrival at Hail on the 6rd Shaban. But each contains the
same sort of complaint. To the G.O.C. the Emir writes : _
“We have already sent you numerous telegrams asking
permission to return to our home and setting forth the nature of
our treatment at the hands of your officers especially Fakhii
Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. ; but no change of treatment has resulted. We also
complained that the necessary supplies did not arrive ; but we
got no answer at all, because he—the above-mentioned -suppressed
the outward and inward telegrams until we were in despair.
Meanwhile, distracting news of disorders at home was leaching
us, so that we were compelled to depart; and to-day we have
arrived, asking God to prosper the result for the glory of om
religion and country.”
To Enver the Emir speaks more forcibly
“ Since, moreover, we had observed our religion and taken
refuse with the Government, we tarried long in Medain, namely
ten months, enduring the bad treatment of your officers, especial!}
Fakhri Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. . We have repeatedly written to you about this,
but fate did not vouchsafe us an answer, because he withheld it
while (other) telegrams were going to and fro without hindrance.
At last the doubt entered our mind, is this a studied insult from
preiudiced people, or from the Government ?—which God
forbid 1 He, who takes refuge with a righteous Government
voluntarily and of good will, does not deserve such treatment.
Nor is it right that evil and prejudiced insinuations should be
made against us far and near, the result of which 1 have seen
in so many ways that enumeration would be tedious.
Certain other letters more intimate and informing were also
captured. One from the Emir to his agent, Rashid ibn Leilah,
throws fresh light on the former’s relations with the lurks.
Owing to its uncouth colloquial diction, we have not been able to
' interpret quite all of it; but its general purport is clear enough.