File 2182/1913 Pt 4 'Persian Gulf: Policy towards Bin Saud (Capt. Shakespear's Mission)' [‎76r] (149/426)

1914), in whicli you state that your honour has already mentioned in your
previous letter that the exalted Government of Great Britain has declared
war gainst the Ottoman Government and that you have been ordered by
the illustrious Government to invite us to co-operate with the Sheikh of
IVIuliammerah. and the Buler of Koweit—our cordial friends and sincere
allies—and attack Basrah and liberate it from the Ottoman Government,
or come to Basrah and prevent any re-inforcements reaching it or Qurnah,’
until the British troops arrive to seize the place ; and you mention the liberation
of Basrah and its severance from the Turkish dominions, which is one of our
chief objects, in this connection, and asks us to prevent plundering of goods
belonging to the British merchants in the town of Basrah and its neighbour
hood and to protect them from damages and turn out the Turkish troops from
A1 Hasa and Qatif and banish them from our town. The co-operation with
the above-mentioned two friends is incumbent on us (and so it is for us to) use
our good offices with our friends, the illustrious Government, in all useful
actions which may be required by her. And I am using my endeavours and
efforts in furthering the common interests of all friends. You should rest
fully assured and be confident in this question.
I am one of the greatest helpers to the Government of Great Britain and
she will, God willing, obtain satisfactory results as we have mentioned to
our mutual friend, Captain Shakespear. As to the Ottoman soldiers, we
did not allow a single one of them to remain (in these parts) after our
occupation and have turned them all out.
But as to the following three matters by you, namely, the promise of
the exalted Government to protect and safeguard us against the Ottoman
Government by affording us her assistance and her future protection (to us)
against any attack and hostility which may be made by sea, her recognition
of the independence of my chiefship on all the parts of Nejd, A1 Hasa and
Qatif, and the conclusion of treaties between us will depend on our arrival
at Koweit. I am leaving my headquarters on this date and am bound for
Koweit and we will make the necessary verbal negotiations in order that
we may earn the approval of our friend, the Government of Great Britain.
I hope you will continue to entertain sincere friendliness by delighting my
mind with the news of your welfare and of the conditions of the British
Government.
This is what was to be stated and may you ever he successful.
7
Telegram P., No. D.S.-96, dated the 26th January 1915.
From—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department,
To—The Secretary to the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. , Political Department.
TY ith reference to Foreign and Political Department telegram of 21st
instant, No. D. S.-74, Saiyyid Talib arrives at Bombay in “Baroda” oa 29fch
instant.
8
Telegram R., No. 105-B., dated the 23rd (received 24th) January 1915.
From— Lieutenant-Colonel Sie, Percy Cox, K.C.I.E., C.S.I., Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency.
in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Basrah,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Delhi.
Your telegram No. 81-D. S. Bin Saud.
I agree preliminary treaty on lines suggested would be the more satisfac
tory if he will accept and am inclined to think that he will. I n case he does