File 57/1928 Pt 4 'Iraq-Nejd Relations: Mission of Sir G. Clayton to Ibn Saud.' [‎343r] (683/1364)

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aeroplanes flew over tribes in Bashuk area on 27th or 28th April
and dropped bombs. Fourth, three aeroplanes flew to Lina on
29th April where one made a forced landing. The other two
aeroplanes flew back to ‘Iraq and then returned, but failing to
repair machine burnt it and flew back. These proceedings were
watched by a large crowd of tribesmen, who in deference to the
King’s strict orders took no hostile action. The King protested
vehemently to me against these incidents, especially at a time when
negotiations had been mutually agreed upon. Report has placed
me in a most unfortunate position on the eve of my departure.
I have had to send a provisional reply to the King expressing my
surprise and regret at the reception of such a report and informing
him that Twould at once telegraph for confirmation. If the news
is true or even partly so the maintenance of peace during the
period of suspension will be jeopardised unless I am authorised
to convey an expression of regret to the King. Cornwallis and
Glubb cannot throw any light on the incidents which are alleged
to have occurred on dates subsequent to their departure. Should
be grateful for immediate reply which I can communicate to
Ibn Sa'ud before I leave.
IV.—Telegram from Sir Henry Dobbs.
No. 93 S. Despatched 23.5.28. Received 23.5.28.
Addressed to Jedda No. 93 S, repeated to Colonial Office No. 294.
Following for Clayton :—(Telegram No. 40 to hoieign Office.;
When news that Ibn Sa'ud consented to meet you was received
transfrontier reconnaissances were cut down to the minimum, u
owing to uncertainty of his movements and repoits receive as a e
as 27th April that he was detained at Buraida and that A " wan
were obdurate I did not feel justified in stopping such reconnaissances
completely until I was certain that he had . . . Akhwan and let
for Jedda. First definite news to this effect was Jedda telegran
2nd May announcing that Ibn Sa'ud had arrived a e ma.
receipt of this, transfrontier flights were immedia e y S ^P . C
{Vide Aviation telegram A. O. 12 of 5th May to Air Ministry).
No bombs have been dropped in Najd since 24th Fe ruary „ , ,
was bombed. As regards four instances repor e y
(1) British armoured cars visited Aiwij on the roa o re • ,
on 19th April. No effort was made to induce tr1 ^ to A Nq
‘I raq. (2) Aircraft reconnoitred over Lina on P TDshuk
bombs were dropped. (3) On 23rd and 24th aircra left Traq
area searching for Dhafir who, contrary to orders, had left Iraq
to raid Mutair. The Dahfir were found and turned back (see
(Cl3548)