File 57/1928 Pt 4 'Iraq-Nejd Relations: Mission of Sir G. Clayton to Ibn Saud.' [‎318v] (634/1364)

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to make. At the abortive meeting of the tribunal which had taken
place (at Jericho) he had submitted his list of claims, but had been
unfavourably impressed by the fact that after his own list had
been received the Trans-Jordan Government had presented a supple
mentary list, entirely unsupported by data or evidence and including
a number of claims which had never been raised before and which he
was unable to admit for consideration. He did not think that any
useful purpose would be served by the appointment of an arbitrator
if it were open to either Government to “ spring ” fresh claims, which
had not been formally recorded in good time. He was, therefore,
of opinion that, before the arbitrator was appointed, terms of
reference should be drawn up and agreed upon, which would lay
down certain principles on which the arbitrator should work, and
ensure in particular that no new claims for past raids could be
“ sprung ” on the arbitrator.
I replied that this appeared a reasonable suggestion, but that I
reserved my opinion until I knew exactly 7 the nature and scope of
the terms of reference which His Majesty had in mind. It was
decided that the terms of reference should be discussed between his
advisers and Mr. Antonius.
4. The question of Auda al-Atneh was then discussed, and his
record of crimes examined. I pointed out that the crimes had all
been committed m Hejaz territory, and that the Trans-Jordan
oyernment did not regard him as one of their subjects, but as one
of the chiefs of tribes resident in the Hejaz. The Trans-Jordan
Government, however, would only be too pleased if the Najd
authorities would capture him and punish him as he deserved.
suggested that if for a given period, say of one month,
tlie irans-Jordan Government would undertake to block the frontier,
ins people would be able to organise a drive along their side which
would result in the capture of this disturber of the peace. I promised
o ring this suggestion to the notice of the Trans-Jordan Govern-
men or consideration, and expressed the view that they would
welcome it provided no practical difficulties prevented its being put
into execution.
t 5; con i clusion of the meeting I informed His Majesty that
vis ea o explain to him more clearly the statement which I made
a e sixth meeting in regard to the air communications and the
-i ^ th m king over our remarks it had struck me that he
P° SS1 ^ have misunderstood me, and gained the impression
a re existing posts, of which he was complaining, were due in
some measure to air-force requirements, and, therefore, designed as
ases for attack against him. I explained that all I meant to convey
^ aS ■+ r 6 ^. xis ^ ence the Imperial air route and the possible
necessi y ereafter for a pipe line made it imperative for His Majesty 7 ’s
overnment to ensure that no principle was recognised which did