File 2182/1913 Pt 4 'Persian Gulf: Policy towards Bin Saud (Capt. Shakespear's Mission)' [‎87r] (173/426)

liis movements. He might ultimately become, if he proves satisfactory, Arab
Attache to the Civil Government at Basrah, or Baghdad and the Porte (?) as
the case may be, for dealing with tribal affairs.
The General Officer Commanding concurs in above views and in order
that I may know in what attitude of mind to meet Seyyid Talib I beg to be
informed whether the G overnment of India primd facie concur in the above.
36
Telegram P., No. D. S.-210, dated the 31st December 1914.
From—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Delhi,
To— Lieutenant-Colonel Sir 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. , Bush ire.
Seyyid Talib. Please refer to your telegram No. 116-B., dated 26th
instant. The Government of India agree, but before any definite
post is offered to Seyyid Talih they desire to be consulted.
37
Telegram P., No. 1494, dated (and received) the 81st December 1914.
From— Lieutenant-Colonel S. G. Knox, C.I.E., in the absence of the Political
Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,.
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Delhi.
(Repeated to 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. .)
Please refer to your telegram November 24th, No. 84-D. S. Bin Sand
has sent me a reply to letter of assurances. Its contents seem perfectly
satisfactory : he declares that he is entirely on side of British: says that
one of his chief aims is the liberation of Basrah, and its severance from
Turkish dominions. Regarding the three promises of Government, viz., to
protect him by sea, to recognise him and to conclude a treaty, he states
that he is leaving for Koweit on the date on which his letter is written and
that he will commence necessary verbal negotiations when he arrives there.
Translations posted. I have not received intimation of Bin Saud’s arrival
at Koweit.
“38
Telegram P., dated the 2nd January 1915.
From—His Excellency the Viceroy (Foreign and Political Department), Delhi,
To—His Majesty^s Secretary of State for India, London.
Bin Saud. Please refer to my telegram dated 18th ultimo. It is reported
by Knox from Bushire on December 31st that Bin Saud’s reply to his letter
regarding assurances has been received. Letter is reported to be quite
satisfactory. In it Bin Saud declares that he is entirely on our side and that
one of his principal objects is to liberate Basrah and to sever its connection
with Turkish dominions. Regarding three promises, viz., protection by sea,
recognition and conclusion of treaty, it is stated by Bin Saud that he was
departing for Koweit on date on which he wrote his letter and that he would on
arrival there commence necessary verbal negotiations. Knox has not received
intimation of Bin Saud’s arrival at Koweit.