File 110/1917 'Arabia: Printed Correspondence.' [‎17v] (39/616)

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No. 3770, dated Basrah, the 30th April 1919.
From—The Military Governor and Political Officer, Basrah,
To—The Civil Commissioner.
Copy forwarded, reference my memorandum 3691 of 26th April 1J19.
{Enclosure II to Serial No. 30.)
[Translation.)
Dated the 26th May 1919 (28th Shaban).
From— Amir Saud Bin Rashid,
To—The Civil Commissioner in Mesopotamia.
We beg to state that, as you are aware, when, on Jamada II, 1337 (March
1919), the Political Officer called on us, we left our own country and, at once,
came down as far as Shaqra, near Basrah, about 15 days’ run far from home.
This we did in order to satisfy His Britannic Majesty’s Government and in
obedience of their orders.
On opening negotiations with you, you asked us to send a “Mutamad .
This was also done with hopes that His Majesty’s Government would have
sympathy on us and would settle our affairs at an early date, that we might
return to our home and manage the affairs of our tribes.
Summer has now come wdth its unbearably intense heat. Ttamazan-El-
Mubarak, the month of fasting, is also approaching, during which period
every one should fast in respect of this sacred month.
Although according to reports from our Mutamad Ibrahim, Your
Excellency are doing your best to have our affairs settled satisfactorily at an
early date, yet, owing to our present position, we send our Mutamad
Muhammad Saleh, along with this our letter, with instructions to submit it
to Your Excellency for favour of your perusal.
If things are not yet settled, we request, subject to your concurrence, that
the Home Government, may kindly be approached telegraphically with a view
to expediting their decisions in so far as they affect our question.
Very many thanks in advance.
(Enclosure III to Serial No. 30.)
Memo., No. S.-304—9-5, dated Baghdad, the 22nd June 1919.
From—The Acting Civil Commissioner in Mesopotamia,
To— Amir Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdul Rahman Al Rashid, Amir of Jebal
Sham mar.
I have to acknowledge yourTetfer of the 26th Tlajab 1C37, to the Political
Officer, Basrah, and your letter of the 28th Shaban.
I much regret the delay that has occurred in replying to Your Honour’s
letter. This is due to the causes beyond our control here.
I have heard what your Mutamads Ibrahim and Muhammad Saleh have to
say on your behalf and I have reported your requests to His Majesty’s Govern
ment together with my recommendations. In the meanwhile, I have heard
from Basrah that Your Honour has been unable to remain any longer in these
parts owing to the heat, and that you have returned to Hail.
As regards the maintenance of order amongst your tribes, which are
near our borders, and as regards the safety of pilgrims proceeding across your
territory, to the Hedjaz ; these are the subjects for discussion between us, and
it is not possible that we should come to an agreement without a personal
meeting, and I, therefore, request that Your Honour will come in the autumn
to some place, as near as possible to our borders, near Nasiriyah, or Zubeir, so
that we may meet and discuss the matter face to face.
I have little doubt that a satisfactory solution will thus be reached.