ملف رقم ٢١٨٢ لسنة ١٩١٣، الجزء ٤ "الخليج الفارسي: السياسة تجاه ابن سعود (بعثة النقيب شكسبير)" [و‎‎٥‎٣] (٤٢٦/١٠٢)

F
h'rom Viceroy, llhJuh) IDl-).
Foreign Secret. Reference to ('ox’s telegram of 24tli June.
Bin Sand. Complete papers regarding negotiations go by this mail with
Foreign Secretary’s letter. We have carefully examined modifications
proposed by Bin Sand in the preliminary treaty sent to him by Cox for
acceptance. These modifications are for tlie most part unimportant.
Important modilications are:
In Article 1, he omits words “subject to approval of British Government
after consultation with them ” in regard to selection of successor. Cox thinks
that Ben Sand will accept our wording or some other suitable phrase when
our motive is explained. If, however, he refuses we think we might give way
on this point.
Article 2 as modified by Bin Sand reads. “ ni the event of aggression by
any Foreign Power on territories of countries belonging to tne said Bin Sand
and his descendants, British Government will aid Bin Sand in all circum
stances and in any place,” thus omitting the word “ unprovoked and entirely
altering the words “ to such extent and in such manner as situation may seem
to them to require.” We think word “ unprovoked or some similar term
should be inserted, and would suggest words “ to such extent and in such
manner as may be expedient ” in place of Bin Sand’s suggestion.
In Article 4, he adds that he will follow the advice of His Majesty’s
Government “where his interests require it.” Cox suggests where his
interests are not injured thereby,” and this seems unobjectionable.
Cox proposes to arrange a meeting shortly with Bin Sand to adjust
differences. We think he should be authorised to do so and to negotiate a
treaty on lines above indicated, subject to ratification by Government of
India.
<§> V/