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File 4931/1916 'Arabia [Nejd]: Bin Saud's subsidy. Payment of subsidy authorised on 1 Jan. 1917. Question of incidence. Payments made without Treasury authority' [‎182r] (372/418)

The record is made up of 1 volume (202 folios). It was created in 6 Oct 1916-5 Apr 1922. It was written in English. The original is part of the British Library: 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. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity. .

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[P 3931]
From Political Officer, Baghdad, 7th September 1918.
(Repeated, to India, and Cairo.)
(Received 8th, 10 p.m.)
7419. 7th. My immediately preceding telegram.
Philbv
(R.)
writes :—
“ Regarding suggestion to divert Ibn Sand’s attention have had that
purpose in mind for long time and have come to following conclusions :—
“ (1) That Khurma affair has gone too far and created too much feeling
amongst people of Nejd to allow of any satisfactory solution
other than imposition of mutual hands-off policy on both sides
for the period of the war. Am perfectly convinced that even if
Ibn Sand can be persuaded to hold aloof renewed attacks on
Khnrma will, result in widespread conflagration, which once
started will be impossible to control. Turks in Asir and
Medina and Ibn Rashid can scarcely fail to profit by such
situation.
“(2) Assuming above settlement Khurma trouble it is always
possible that some petty event or another of Badawin life will
raise Ataiba problem or that of boundary generally, and am
convinced desirable to divert Ibn Sand’s attention from such
matters. Nevertheless, am convinced that mere gift of money
or profitable land will not serve purpose, as such gifts would
still leave him idle. In any case doubt if he would accept gift
of land in Mesopotamia and terms doubt wisdom of introducing
Wahhabi element into countrv.
“(3) In my opinion real activity is only panacea for ills arriving
(sic ? arising) from natural indolence of life of Arabs and this
conclusion I have kept steadily in view in connection with
proposed operations against Hail. With limited resources at
my disposal I have not been able to do very much but have
felt natural reluctance to abandon Hail offensive. Nevertheless,
had it not been for such dispositions as I have been able to make
no changes would have been ready for diversion of warlike
feeling consequent upon first attack on Khurma. As it is, forth
coming offensive has been a Godsend, as mobilisation at worst
enables Ibn Sand to collect his forces and keep them content by
regular feeding and indirect control. Unfortunately the money
laid out .in this venture will not last for ever, and at present
cannot say how long mobilisation will hold good. I am [three
groups undecipherable] have nothing to fall back on, but am
emboldened by His Majesty’s Government’s present views to
reopen subject.
“Feel perfect confidence can keep large force actively employed in
operations against Hail and neighbourhood if Government can place more
arms and money at my disposal and my proposals as follows : —
“ First, as regards artillery, am of opinion that owing to loss of time lor
training no guns can be used.
“ Secondly, as regards small arms, would request that 5,000 rifles of good
type with corresponding ammunition be sent to Koweit to be doled
out by 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. on my requisition. Essential that Ibn Sand
and his Koweit agent should know nothing of this. I would propose
to let him have 1,000 at once, and to dole out rest in event of
Sherifian crisis practically as bribes for inaction that direction.
“ Thirdly, money is all important, as Ibn Sand cannot keep his forces
in the field without feeding them. Would suggest, therefore, i
be given monthly allotment of 10,0007,. or that I be allowed to
draw at discretion on Koweit up to total maximum of 50,0007. up
to end of December. Essential allotment be to me and not to Ibn
Saud, as can then count on getting good value.
“Finally, trust above proposals will receive favourable consideration.
In anticipation of acceptance in principle am asking Political
Agent. Koweit, to supply 3,000 bags of rice, 200 coffee, 200 sugar,
to Ibn gaud’s agent, from stores by him, and debit it to Mission.
Have told Ibn Saud to send for above on understanding that
he will have to pa}" for them in due course. Kindly sanction
issue. Trust may receive early reply to this. Am handing over
3,000 bags rice, 200 coffee, to Abdullah Naiisi, no sugar available.
Am charging cost price plus 10 per cent, to cover godown rent
commission.”
My comment follows.
■1 1

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Content

The volume contains papers, mostly correspondence and 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. Minute Papers and Reference Papers, mainly relating to the subsidy paid to Ibn Saud, Emir of Nejd [Najd]. It includes papers relating to the following:

The main correspondents are: the 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. ; the Foreign and Political Department of the Government of India; the Foreign Office; the War Office; the Treasury; the Civil Commissioner Baghdad; Sir Percy Zachariah Cox; and Harry St John Bridger Philby.

The file includes a divider which gives the subject number, the year the subject file was opened, the subject heading, and a list of correspondence references by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.

Extent and format
1 volume (202 folios)
Arrangement

The subject 4931 (Arabia [Nejd]: Bin Saud's subsidy. Payment of subsidy authorised on 1 Jan. 1917. Question of incidence. Payments made without Treasury authority) consists of one volume.

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

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 202; these numbers are written in pencil, 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 59-178; these numbers are written in crayon.

The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the two leading and ending flyleaves.

Written in
English in Latin script
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File 4931/1916 'Arabia [Nejd]: Bin Saud's subsidy. Payment of subsidy authorised on 1 Jan. 1917. Question of incidence. Payments made without Treasury authority' [‎182r] (372/418), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/10/635, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100059364059.0x0000ad> [accessed 28 March 2024]

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