File 87/1926 Pt 2 'Arabia: Bin Saud: Relations with H.M.G. Revision of Treaty.' [‎526r] (739/840)

I repeated to Ibn Sa'ud that-my instructions were explicit in
regard to the northern boundary, but added that I was prepared to
discuss any questions, such as that of the development and protection
of trade, regarding which His Highness might think it advisable lor
his stall' to draw up proposals for consideration.
1 then suggested that if we postponed further discussion till later
in the day we might perhaps advance a step nearer agreement in
matters upon which we now differed. Ibn Sa‘ud agreed and thought
—,t would help matters if I were to consider his arguments on paper,
to which I agreed, adding that I was naturally anxious to conclude
negotiations as soon as possible so that His Highness could attend
to the arduous duties his large kingdom entailed, and I to my affairs
elsewhere.
I then drew Ibn Sa‘ud’s attention to a report in my possession of
his meeting with Sir Percy Cox in November, 1922, when the
frontier question was discussed and general agreement reached. It
was true that since that date the question of Kaf had arisen, but
nevertheless His Highness’ advisers had now put forward a
memorandum which made claims greatly in excess of those admitted
at that interview. Ibn Sa'ud stated that no definite demand had
been made at that time, but Sir Percy Cox had made certain pro
posals which Ibn Sa‘ud had agreed to accept, not as a frontier, but
as a basis for discussion and negotiations.
Ibn Sa‘ud said that he would prefer, if possible, that at the next
meeting we should endeavour to clear the question of Trans-Jordan,
and he desired to know whether the question of Kaf w^as to be re
considered or was now settled in his favour. I replied that he must
put forward proposals which would stand some chance of being
acceptable to His Majesty’s Government, who had strong and valid
reasons for wishing to include Kaf in 1 rans-Jordan. So far he had
not done so, and I considered that he w r ould have to retreat from the
position which he had taken up in the matter if he wished to avoid a
deadlock. I had stated the wishes and requirements of His Majesty s
Government, which could not be modified unless he was able entirely
to remove the apprehensions to which they were due.
Ibn Sa‘ud was of opinion that this procedure had its faults. The
question concerning the northern part of the boundary was a difficult
one, but he had already expressed his views concerning Kal and Had
mad^e the suggestions for which he had been asked.
The third question was a comparatively easy one and could be
settled quickly.
The meeting then ended, having lasted from 9 a.m. till 11 a.m.
Third Meeting.
The third meeting took place on Tuesday, ^ he
my reception tent at 9 a.m., and was attended by Ibn Sa ud, Sheikh
Yusuf Yasin, Sheikh Hafiz Wahba, Mr. Antomus and myself.
I opened the proceedings by asking permission of highness
to say a few words of a general nature. Up o the present we had
discussed the isolated question of Kaf at considerabie leng •
already told His Highness quite frankly ^ hat His Majesty s
Government wanted and explained their reasons. His Highness, on