Coll 30/160(2) 'Measures to influence minor Powers & Arab States in time of War. Deputation of British Officer to RIYADH. (Capt G. S. de Gaury).' [‎51r] (102/283)

This transcription is created automatically. It may contain errors.

Apply page layout

Content

The file concerns the appointment of Captain Gerald Simpson Hillairet Rutland Vere de Gaury (formerly, 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. , Kuwait) as Political Officer at Riyadh (1939-40). The appointment of a Political Officer, under the orders of HM Minister, Jedda, was proposed in 1939 as a special measure in the event of war breaking out. De Gaury was suggested for the post because he was thought to be acceptable to Ibn Saud [Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd]. The purpose of the role was to monitor political developments in Saudi Arabia, and to keep Ibn Saud favourably disposed towards the British (comment by Reader William Bullard, HM Minister, Jedda, folio 91).

The papers include: correspondence concerning de Gaury's leave, pay and allowances; questions about de Gaury's suitability for the role (e.g. comment by the Government of India External Affairs Department on folio 132); India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. minutes relating to the appointment; report by de Gaury on the state of roads between Riyadh and Dhahran (folio 68); report by de Gaury on a meeting with Ibn Saud (folios 53-56); Ibn Saud's wish not to have a permanent British representative at Riyadh; correspondence concerning a proposed visit (which did not take place) by Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Geoffrey Prior, 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. , to Ibn Saud, May 1941; and correspondence concerning a proposed liaison visit by de Gaury to the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Riyadh, Jedda, Yemen, and Aden, September-October 1941.

The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.

Extent and format

1 file (139 folios)

Arrangement

The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the rear to the front of the file.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 141; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 1-139; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.

Written in

English in Latin script

View the complete information for this record

Share this item

<meta charset="utf-8"><a href="https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100056026057.0x000067">Coll 30/160(2) 'Measures to influence minor Powers & Arab States in time of War. Deputation of British Officer to RIYADH. (Capt G. S. de Gaury).' [&lrm;51r] (102/283)</a>
<a href="https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100056026057.0x000067">
	<img src="https://iiif.qdl.qa/iiif/images/81055/vdc_100000000648.0x0001d3/IOR_L_PS_12_3897_0104.jp2/full/!280,240/0/default.jpg" alt="" />
</a>

Copyright: How to use this content