'File 61/6 vol.4 (D 34) Bin Saud and Akwan Movement' [‎35v] (70/565)

Enclosure II to Serial No. (40).
Demi-official letter, dated the 6th August 1920.
From—Khan Sahib Saiyid Siddiq Hasan , Indian Assistant, Bahrein, (on deputa
tion with the Nejd Mission, Riyadh),
To— Major H-R. P. Dickson, C.I.E., Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , Bahrein.
I have already written to you yesterday that our departure for Mecca was de
layed, and thus we are to leave Riyadh tomorrow Saturday, 7th August 1920 (21st
Dhil-Qaadah 1338). All the choicest requisitioned have, I am told, arrived today
and all is ready for the journey which for want of time has evidently become still
more arduous in itself. "Tawakkalan ala Allah," as the Arab says, we trust in God.
The mere fact that we are going, a mission from Bin Saud to Sharif, gives one
immense satisfaction. To tell you the truth there was little hope of it as you will see
from my last report of' yesterday's date. It is also satisfactory to note that the
Naib, Ahmad Thaniyan, is now distinctly better or more sober in his talk or opinions
about the Sharif. He is, if I am not mistaken fairly promising and reasonable and
will, it is hoped, make matters smooth. The schism or gulf between the two sides
is terribly wide, perhaps too wide to be bridged. One can only hope for the best.
As Bin Saud is not with us and it is only a Naib in the person of Ahmad Thaniyan
I have adopted Farhan Bag's proposition of our own separate mess, etc. The Imam
is said to have ordered the general stores, supplies, etc., for the party but I am
buying some provisions and sundries, also a few abbas. It will all hellp to give us
a sort of independent character in the eyes of the Arabs and also be useful to draw
men and get information. That interesting individual Ibn Shalhoob (who by the
way is the son of a settler in Riyadh from Haleb, Syria) comes and tells us just now
that the Imam will" Send us armed." This will be irony of fate ; instead of having
the whole Nejd pilgrim party unarmed for the satisfaction of the Sharif, we our
selves are to go armed. Of course any arms that Bin Saud might give us will be
for the journey and intended for show, as usual.
I have seen old Imam, Abdur Rahman, who, somehow, succeeded[in shaking off
his £< piety " and condescended to receive us both with more than expected courtesy.
He talked of old Indian Ulema, one (last and best known) of them being Maulvi
Siddiq Hasan Khan, who rose from the modest position of an ordinary aalim to be
Chief Secretary of the last Begum Courteous or formal title for (usually Muslim) women of elite status, especially of Turko-Mongol lineage. of Bahopl, and latterly married the Begum Courteous or formal title for (usually Muslim) women of elite status, especially of Turko-Mongol lineage. , re
ceiving as a necessary adjunct the title of Nawab An honorific title; an official acting as a provincial deputy ruler in South Asia; or a significant Muslim landowner in nineteenth century India. . Perhaps the mere chance that
I possess the same name as the late Nawab An honorific title; an official acting as a provincial deputy ruler in South Asia; or a significant Muslim landowner in nineteenth century India. Siddiq Hasan Khan of Bhopal, ensured
a kind reception for me from this old Imam, who is, naturally a bigoted Wahhabi.
Saud, the eldest son, favourite and heir-apparent of Abdul Aziz is a charming
youth of 19 or 20 years. He is very affable and may be a near approach to his
eminent father later on. He said, he would some day like to'go to Wilayat (England)
for a tour.
Faisal is rather backward or too young to show any marked qualities. The rest
are all poor desolate souls—hopeless bigots, and foolishly disgustingly GWtfi-foreign.
' Bin Saud is writing to Qusaibi to be quick with the light-buoy in Ojair harbour.
When I spoke to him he said he had ordered it long ago, and he was glad to learn
That P. W. D. man was sent by you to survey. He will write to you on the subject.
About our return Bin Saud has repeatedly expressed the desire that we should
come back via Riyadh ; but I cannot say nor have I promised him. It will depend
on circumstances.^ As it is the journey to Mecca in this hot season and with so deadly
a haste is"as much as one can bear. Thank God, we are both keeping fairly fit.
Hope you are enjoying good health. We both very much wish to see you in
Bahrein on our return. With our respects and good wishes,
Enclosure III to Serial No. (40).
Memorandum No. 1G, dated the 6th August 1920.
From—Khan Sahib Saiyid Siddiq Hasan , Indian Assistant, Bahrein, (on deputation
with the Nejd Mission, Riyadh),
To—The Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , Bahrein.
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your memorandum No. 25o-V.—0., dated the
23rd July 1920, which reached me in Riyadh on 1st instant, while the 15 books of
21