'Administration Report of the Persian Gulf Political Residency for the Years 1915-1919' [‎79r] (164/396)

FOR THE YEAR 1916.
79
speech to an eloquent close, the three chiefs, Kuwait, Mohammerah and
Ibn Saud, swore together that they would work with us for the acbievement of
a, common end-
This scene made a deep impression on the local notables and on the
Bedouin Shaikhs present who will no doubt carry the tale far and wide During
the receptions at Kuwait, Ibn Saud showed in all the utterances how clearly
he had grasped the principle which guides our relations with Arabia. He
quoted as an example of our benevolent policy towards the Arab cause the
fact that we were ready even to promote a reconciliation between himself and
Ibn Uashid if the latter would abandon his attitude of hostility. The arrival
of Ibn Earaun's 700 fine camels, each branded with the wasm of that well-
known dealer, gave a dramatic completeness to the Kuwait gathering.
From Kuwait Ibn Saud went to Mohammerah as the guest of Shaikh
Khaza who co-operated most heartily in the endeavour to make Ibn Saud's
visit profitable to him. The two chiefs arrived at Basrah on the evening of
November 26th. Early next morning the Chief Political Officer, accompanied
by two chief military representatives of the Army Commander present in
Basrah, went on board the Shaikh's launch and presented Ibn Saud wdth a
sword of honour and a message of welcome from the Army Commander. The
day was spent in exhibiting to him the Ease Camps and organisation and the
latest machinery of warfare including the aircraft in which he took an eager
interest. Dhari ibn Twalah and Humud al Suwait, Shaikhs of the Sharnmar
Aslam and the Dhafir, were present, wdiile Shaikh Ibrahim of Zubair and
several Sunni notables of Basrah and refugees from Baghdad had an audience
with Ibn Saud on the launch.
The Kuwait Durbar A public or private audience held by a high-ranking British colonial representative (e.g. Viceroy, Governor-General, or member of the British royal family). and Ibn Saud's visit to Basrah have placed us in a
singularly strong position. Three powerful chiefs have made public protestation
of their friendship with each other and their confidence in the British Govern
ment. A telegram received from the Sharif, congratulating them upon their
zeal in the Arab cause and regretting that he had not had time to send a
representative to Kuwait, confirmed the identity of his aims with their own,
and in a further message he apologized for any deficiences in his previous
letters, on the ground that while he was in the throes of war he might
unintentionally fall short as a correspondent. The dream of Arab unity which
engaged the imagination of the Liberals of Damascus during the year before
the war, has been brought nearer fulfilment than dreams are wont to come,
but the i6le of presiding genius has been recast. Instead of the brilliant,
unscrupulous Saiyid Talib, gyrating in the blast of his own ambition, the
chiefs of Eastern and Western Arabia have united at the instance of the
British Government.
Besides this knitting together of Arab leaders, the meeting at Kuwait
has produced certain immediate results. In the first place the extent and
nature of Ibn Saud's share in future hostilities with Ibn llashid, if such should
occur, was agreed upon. He undertook to maintain 4,000 men under arms :
if Ibn Rashid moved in force towards the Iraq he would move up parallel
with him towards Zubair and join the friendly tribes and a contingent
from Kuwait. He informed the friendly Shaikhs that he would support them
if Ibn Kashid threatened to attack them in strength. If, however, Ibn Rashid
should remain at Hail, Ibn Saud would harass and attack him as opportunity
offered, using the Qasim as a base. In view of the strain upon his resources
during the last two years, he has been given 3,000' rifles with ammunition, as
well as four machine guns, and granted a monthly subsidy of £3,000 to cover
the expenses he will incur in maintaining his men in the field. Active co
operation with the Sharif was not considered practicable, but Ibn Saud was
ready to send one of his sons with some 40 men to Mecca as a sign of good
will if the Sharif would make a special request for them.
Secondly, a letter was written by Ibn Saud, in the name of the three chiefs,
to Ajaimi ibn Sadun urging upon him the
Arab Bureau, herewith enclosed. harm which he was doing to the Arab
cause by his present attitude, inviting him to enter into communication with
them and promising him friendly consideration and an opportunity for honour
able submission.