ملف ١١٦٦/ ١٩٢٥ "الجزيرة العربية: نجد؛ المفاوضات مع ابن سعود بشأن مسألة العراق-نجد وحدود شرق الأردن؛ بعثة السير ج. كلايتون؛ اتفاقية بحرة، الثاني من نوفمبر ١٩٢٥" [ظ‎‎١‎٦‎٦] (٧٦٩/٣٣٩)

Sa'ud may, as a result of his conquests in the Hejaz, move his capital
to some more readily accessible spot), His Majesty’s Government
would prefer to reserve their decision until conditions in Arabia
become more stable. You should, however, encourage Ibn Sa‘ud to
discuss this question frankly with you, and, without definitely com
mitting His Majesty’s Government to any of the above alternatives,
you should endeavour to ascertain his wishes in the matter. You
should point out to Ibn Sa'ud that His Majesty’s Government are
desirous of making arrangements which would enable them to be
kept permanently in touch with him, if circumstances render such a
course practicable, and both in discussing this matter with Ibn Sa'ud
and throughout your discussions with him you should make it clear
that His Majesty’s Government are anxious to be on cordial terms
with His Highness and to co-operate with him wherever possible.
10. It is not improbable that during your conversations Ibn Sa'ud
will raise the question of his position in the Hejaz and will endeavour
to obtain from you a statement of His Majesty’s Government’s
policy, and in particular to learn what views His Majesty’s Govern
ment take of the recent expansion of his territories and what are
their wishes with regard to the future administration of the Hejaz.
If Ibn Sa'ud questions you on these points you should confine your
reply to a statement that His Majesty’s Ciovernment’s only desire
is for the speedy termination of the present hostilities and the re
establishment of peaceful conditions in the Hejaz; their recent offer
of mediation was made with this sole object in view, and they have
learned with regret that Ibn Sa'ud is at present unwilling to accept
it. Their offer has, however, not been withdrawn, and it is still
open to Ibn Sa'ud, should he so desire, to avail himself of their good
offices. But while hostilities continue His Majesty’s Government
have no alternative but to maintain an attitude of strict neutrality.
With regard to the ultimate regime to be set up in the Holy Cities
and in the Hejaz generally, you should point out that, beyond doing
everything in their power to ensure that their Moslem subjects have
free and safe access to the holy places. His Majesty’s Government
feel that they cannot properly intervene in a matter which so closely
concerns Moslem opinion as a whole. While confining vourself to a
statement on the above lines, you should in no way discourage Ibn
Sa ud from discussing the matter freely with you.
11. Ibn Sa'ud may also represent that the terms of the Treaty*
concluded with him in 1916, a copy of which is enclosed, are no
longer appropriate, in view of the recent extension of his territories,
and may suggest that this Treaty should be replaced by one more in
accord with his increased influence and importance. In this event
you should inform him that, while hostilities are actually in progress,
His Majesty s Government clearly cannot enter into negotiations for
a new Ireaty, and that until peace is restored and stable conditions
are established His Majesty’s Government would prefer to leave
matters as they are.
12. Should Ibn Sa'ud raise other questions which are not covered
by these instructions you should take note of what he has to say
and report to His Majesty’s Government, at the same time informing
him that you are vvithout instructions on these points, but that you
W! < ornmunicate his views to His Majesty’s Government, by whom
they will be given every consideration.
Not printed