Papers of the War Cabinet's Eastern Committee [‎124v] (248/544)

armament, but merely the substitution of serviceable weapons for the inferior rides
already supplied to him. Bin Saud may have little reason to complain if his
demands are rejected on their merits; but we must expect him to feel aggrieved,
and even to question our good faith, if, having undertaken to supply him with a
certain quantity of arms, we palm oh on him weapons of unserviceable quality, and
then refuse to make good the deficiency. It is to be feared that the whole transaction
will wear an appearance of “ sharp practice,” which, in dealing with Arabs, it is
most desirable to avoid. It may here be remarked that the Civil Commissioner does
not support Mr. Philby’s proposals for supplying Bin Saud with arms and
ammunition on a further considerable scale; and in any case these proposals, which
were framed on the assumption that Bin Saud was "to be encouraged to operate
against Hail, are ruled out by the recent pronouncement of policy by His Majesty's
Government.
8. A few general observations may, perhaps, be added. As mentioned above,
tiie indications are that an early collision between Bin Saud and King Husain on
the Khurma question need not lie anticipated. Probably both Chiefs have taken to
heart the warnings of His Majesty 's Government. General Allenby's recent victory
in Palestine, the full extent of which is uncertain at the time of writing, should
have a steadying influence on the whole situation. It ought to remove from Bin
Sand's mind any lingering suspicion that he has “ put his money on the wrong
horse.” At the same time, the contribution of the Hejaz forces towards the British
success—if it proves to be as considerable as the early reports seem to indicate—
will serve to emphasise the view, already plainly enunciated by His Majesty’s
Government, that King Husain’s services and commitments to the common cause,
are out of all comparison with those of Bin Saud. This does not, of course, mean
that we are to disregard the latter’s just interests or to fail to carry out the terms
of the treaty of December 1915, under which we (1) recognised his sovereignty over
certain specified areas, to be delimited “ hereafter ” ; and (2) guaranteed his terri
tories against “ aggression by any Foreign Power.” But it does mean that we are
on firm ground in restraining him from extravagant claims against his rival, and
in requiring him to abstain from action likely to create strife and disunion among
the Arab peoples.
9. To sum up, the Department ventures to recommend—
(i.) That as regards the proposal to arrange a meeting between representatives
of Bin Saud and King Husain, a further report from Cairo should be
awaited.
(ii.) That Sir R. Wingate should be invited to depute an officer of the Egyptian
service to succeed Mr. Philbv as British representative with Bin Saud.
(iii.) That the question of supplying Bin Saud with 1.000 serviceable rifles in
substitution for the inferior weapons alreadv delivered to him should be
considered.
J. E. S.
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. ,
September 22, 1918.
Appendix.
Communication made to Bin Saud.)
(As authorised by Secretary of State's telegram, 15th August, 1918.)
1. We recognise our obligations to use every influence in our power to prevent
encroachments upon Bin Saud’s territories, but feel that it is impossible to decide
upon merits of individual cases until the precise limits of his territories have been
discussed and laid down as provided for in the Treaty.
2. King Husain has given us emphatic assurances that his action against the
rebel Sheikh Emir Khaled of Khurma is local and is not directed against Bin Saud
and that he entertains no hostile designs against the latter.
3. King Husain is writing a friendly letter to Bin Saud, and appears most
anxious for a reconciliation, which His Majesty’s Government feel would be to the
great advantage of both parties and of Arabs in general. King Husain has offered
to visit Bin Saud himself with a view to discussing such reconciliation.