File 57/1928 Pt 7 'Iraq-Nejd relations: Frontier Situation (1928). Printed Correspondence.' [‎21v] (42/188)

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(69)
Telegkam P., eeom High Commissioner, Baghdad, to His Majesty’s
Secretary of State for the Colonies, No. 613, dated the 22nd
December 1927.
(Repeated Delhi and Resident, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , No. 200-S.)
It is requested by Sheikh of Koweit that aeroplane reconnaissances may be
made of his territory from time to time m order to guard against Akhwan
raids. Proposal is welcomed by Air Officer Commanding as it would give
pilots knowledge of new country, and might give warning of Akhwan raids
approaching Koweit. I can see no objection particularly as any raiding parties
encountered would presumably be acting in defiance of I bn Sand, hut as such
reconnaissances might conceivably be taken as demonstration against Akhwan
tribes, and deliberate indication of His Majesty’s Government’s intention to
support Koweit against Nejd, I consider it better, before authorising them to
obtain your instructions.
(70)
Telegram P., from High Commissioner, Baghdad, to Colonial Office
London, No. 622, dated the 29th December 1927.
(Repeated to Foreign, Delhi, Bushire and Kuwait, No. 203-S.)
Immediate.
Please see my telegram No. 616 (202-S. to Besident, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ).
Peisal A1 Dawish, leader of Mutair, crossed Mesopotamian frontier about
22nd instant in considerab e force near Jokah, and raided Mesopotamian shep
herd tribes, and some Shammar of Nejd, temporarily in Mesopotamia, commit
ting heavy slaughter. He then moved north-west to attack Dahamshah, outly
ing portion of Anezeh tribe, who fled before him. All Mesopotamian desert
tribes in extreme panic, while there are rumours of attacks under contempla
tion by other portions of Peisal A1 Dawish’s tribe in south. Meanwhile, there
is unconfirmed report that Bin Sand’s forces have seized Mutair headquarters
Artawayah, having previously ordered Governor of Hail to pursue Peisal A1
Dawish. Poliowing are recent events :—On November 5th Mutair destroyed
Busdyah fort and killed police and workmen. At the end of November Jahra
in Kuwait was raided by them. On December 9th same tribe attacked Meso
potamian shepherd tribes in neutral zone, and few hours later fired on
aeroplanes wounding one of 'personnel and damaging all machines. Mesopo
tamian casualties 59 men and 7,500 animals. On December 22nd occurrence of
raid reported above. British Officers in areas affected state they are placed in
most humiliating position. Chiefs of Mesopotamian desert tribes are openly
declaring that they must become Akhwan, as British and Mesopotamian
Government cannot protect them, and are paying dues to Peisal A1 Dawish’s
tax-collectors, and some have put on Akhwan headdress in presence of British
officer, denouncing British Government to his face. Anezeh tribe, which
stretches north across desert route is bound ultimately to follow unless Akhwan
are checked, and events are not leading to situation, which will force me to
advise that projected Pipe Line and desert railway shall follow northern route
through Syria, as our chief argument for southern line, namely, greater
security, is disappearing.
In the meantime political circles in Baghdad and King Peisal are much
excited, and tendency already perceptible is bound to revive towards accusing
us of conniving at attacks by Akhwan tribes in order to remind Mesopotamia of
her dependence upon British. This may undo the hitherto apparent excellent
effect of London negotiations with. King Peisal whose attitude since his return
has been admirable. Meanwhile, Bin Saud in reply to protests has stated that
Mutair have acted contrary to his orders, and it is his intention to
punish them, hut that Mesopotamia and British are responsible for hostility of
Alutair, as they have fortified desert posts and patrolled desert with