'File 53/7 VI (D 9) Koweit [Kuwait] affairs - Arab Tribes, 1907-1911' [‎260v] (528/676)

Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , who left on board the "Marmaris" on the 3rd instant for Katif,
ostensibly for the purpose of establishing guard stations between Hofuf and
Ojair, has been despatched there to enquire the reasons for their appearance in
that neighbourhood.
I have, etc.,
F. E. CROW.
His Excellency the Right Hon'ble Sir G. A. Lowther, K.C.M.G., C.B.,
etc., etc., etc.,
Extract from Kuwait Diary No. 12, for the week ending 23rd March igto.
20th, —Report reached Kuwait to-day of the defeat of the Bin Subah and Bin
Saud fighting forces by Shaikh Saadun of the Muntafik on the 16th March
between Ar Rakhaimiya, Wagubaand Zaraibiat, It appears that on that date
the combined force early in the morning attacked first and defeated the Muntafik
who retired without any great loss. Shortly afterwards Shaikh Saadun delivered
a vigorous counter attack from a flank against the right wing composed of
Kuwait Araibdar and Umtair Bedouins and apparently the Kuwait men made no
attempt at a stand, Shaikh Jabir and his followers fleeing almost at once, leaving
the Bin Subahwar-flag and half their 'Thaluls' in the hands of the enemy.
Meanwhile Bin Saud and his brothers supported by the Ajman on the left wing
were engaged with others of Shaikh Saadun's force and appeared to
have made gallant efforts to save the day. In retreating which they seem to
have carried out methodically, they made three stands but owing to the flight of
the Kuwait men were powerless to turn a defeat into victory. In the first
successful attack, the Ajman secured about 50 horses from the Dhafir who
directly opposed them. The disaster is said to have been due partly to the
surprise and vigour of Saadun's counter attacks, and mainly to Saadun's
forces being far larger than was anticipated especially in horsemen. The report
goes that Saadun besides his Muntafik Bedouin, had with him 500 horsemen
of the Shammar, nearly all the Dhaffir sections and the Lbadur, Zaid, Smait,
As-Safa, A1 Magarid, Bani Malik, Ash Shraifat, Bani Hussaini, Ar, Rafaiah, Al
Fathool, Al Khazaal, Bani Hawaikim, Bani Lami, Bani Khagan, Bani Said
and others.
The force under his command contained nearly 4,000 horsemen, a large
number of dismounted men and no Thaluls, whilst the Bin Subah and Bin Saud
combined force was largely composed of Thalul riders with only 1,000 horsemen.
It is said if Bin Saud had not been present the Bin Subah forces would
have been completely destroyed. Only a few casualties so far are reported on
the Bin Subah side, none of the bigger shaikhs having been killed. It is said
Shaikh Saadun ordered that none of the enemy should be put to death, that
only their arms should be taken and the men allowed to go unmolested. The
force is returning to Jahra and awaits Shaikh Mubarak's orders, though it is
considered certain fresh efforts will be made at once as a second attempt
launched at Saadun as soon as reinforcements have been collected.
21st. —Shaikh has ordered lists to be made of all the townsmen from which
to choose men for a second expedition against the Muntafik Shaikh. It is
rumoured that Shaikh has bought 1,000 camels from a Syrian. He is undoubtedly
making arrangements on a much bigger scale than before and, it is said, has asked
help from Shaikh Khazal; whilst Bin Saud, it is said, has summoned his Nejada
to join in the new raid. Bin Saud has purchased Arab clothes worth Dollars
1,000 for distributions amongst the Bedouins who have lost their belongings in
the last raid.
There is a renewed heavy demand for camels and fire-arms in Kuwait and
everybody seems busy over some detail or other in connection with the forth
coming raid. This time, it is said, all Bedouins will be ordered to take their
families with them for their presence is supposed to infuse a higher courage in
the fighting men.
G C. B.P., Simla»—No. C. 172 F. D,— 2i-4-io—40.—E.A.D'S.