"ملفات 61/12 و 61/16 (D 80) معاهدة بين بان سعود والحكومة البريطانية" [ظ‎‎١‎٠‎٧] (٤٠٨/٢٢١)

2
to absorb some petty neighbouring Arab State. Moreover, His Majesty s Govern
ment did not wish to commit themselves to recognise the extent of Ibn Saud s
domains or to protect territories outside those domains, but would have
preferred to remain free to take what action they considered necessary
in each particular case, having regard to the precise nature of their
relations with the principality concerned and to other relevant circumstances.
As you will observe, however, from the enclosed copy of a despatch addressed to the
Secretary of State for the Colonies by the Resident in the Persian Gulf, certain
instances of interference in the affairs of the principalities of the Persian Gulf
coast on the part of the Amir of Hasa, whether with or without the knowledge and
approval of Ibn Saud, have recently occurred. His Majesty's Government
therefore came to the conclusion that if Ibn Saud were not asked to reassume the
obligation imposed upon him by article 6 of the treaty of 1916, he might infer that
they would not oppose any interference by him with the integrity of the rulers in
question, and would thus be encouraged to extend his influence in South-Last
Arabia. His Majesty's Government have decided that representations should be
made to Ibn Saud on the subject of the activities of the Amir of Hasa, with which,
Indeed, as he has now been in the Hejaz for the past two years, he may be little
acquainted. I enclose a copy of a letter from the India Office to the Colonial Office
which shows to which of the actions of the Amir exception could rightly be taken. If
you consider that it would be desirable to obtain some indication as to the utility or
otherwise of including the proposed provisions, or as to Ibn Saud s probable
attitude towards a proposal to include it, you may make representations on the
subject of the Amir's activities to Ibn Saud before approaching him on the general
question. If, however, Ibn Saud should finally prove unwilling to agree to reassume
the obligations in the new treaty, you should inform him that His Majesty's Govern
ment hold themselves free to take what action they consider necessary in particular
cases.
9. His Majesty's Government understand that Ibn Saud will, probably be
reluctant to agree to the inclusion of the provision in article 7 for the recognition of
the right of manumission of His Britannic Majesty's consular officers in his domains.
His Majesty's Government attach great importance to this provision, however, and
you should not, in any circumstances, agree to modify this article without reference
to the Secretary of State. ■
10. It has been decided not to include in the treaty an article defining the extra
territorial rights which His Majesty's Government desire to claim in the Hejaz. It
appears unlikely, in the first place, that Ibn Saud would accept such an article. More
over, His Majesty's Government are advised that the omission would not materially
prejudice any claims which they may be in a position to make that the Capitulations
are still in existence. So long as the present system continues whereby you, as His
Majesty's consul, arrange that proceedings against British subjects are stayed until
you have had time to investigate the matter, it seems essential that you should have
some legal power to deal with such cases should it become necessary for you to do so.
Such Power can only be derived from the Ottoman Order in Council, 1924, and you
will no doubt realise that, if you have occasion to deal with such a case in a judicial
capacity, you can only do so in accordance with the terms of the Order in Council.
11. Yhe possibility of Ibn Saud reopening the question of the payment of a
subsidy to which he referred in his conversations with Sir G. Clayton must be
envisaged. His Majesty's Government could not agree to such a request. If Ibn
Saud presses for the payment of a subsidy, you will point out to him that it would
be liable to be misrepresented as an attempt on the part of His Majesty's Government
to obtain undue control over the Holy Places, and that his acceptance of a subsidy
from a non-Moslem Power would greatly damage his prestige with Moslem opinion
throughout the world.
12. There is one further matter with which His Majesty's Government wish
to deal at the same time, i.e., the fixation of the frontier between the Hejaz and
Transjordan. It would be inappropriate to introduce provisions on this subject into
the general treaty of amity now contemplated. A separate protocol has been
drafted, a copy of which is enclosed, in which the frontier, as defined by
Sir G. Clayton (see p. 16 of his report), is set out. You should endeavour to obtain
Ibn Saud's assent to the draft protocol as well as to the main treaty. His Majesty's
Government are not prepared to agree to any modification of the frontier and you
will in no circumstances assent to any alteration of the draft protocol.
I am, &c.
LANCELOT OLIPHANT.