File 2182/1913 Pt 11 'Arabia: relations with BIN SAUD Hedjaz-Nejd Dispute' [‎425r] (405/678)

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1202) From Civil Commissioner, Baghdad, 1 2th February 1920 .
(Received 13th, 7 p.m.)
Priority A.
(R.) 1867. My immediately preceding telegram.
Your telegram dated 6th February. Bin Sand.
Nejd Mission arrived at Bahrein 7th February.
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, reached Hasa 1st February. Bin Sand arrived 4th
February and after exchange of official visits had confidential interview with
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. on 5th February with following result.
(1) He claimed very earnestly and with some warmth that we were making his
position most difficult by lack of support.
(2) He complained that our apparent support of claims of King Hussain to
Syria had aroused much resentment in Nejd.
(3) With regard to proposed meeting with Shereef, Bin Sand anticipated
reference by 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. to question by announcing that he had heard from Mecca
that efforts were being made to arrange such a meeting and that for various practical
and other reasons it was quite impossible that meeting should take place anywhere in
Hedjaz territory.
(4) It appears, as I rather expected, that chief reason for his visit to Hasa is
question of possible jihad directed against us from Syria. On this subject Bin Sand
made following statement.
He had received information from Mecca that Shereef had decided to utilise
Syria jihad movement in order to reinstate himself in eyes of Moslem world, and at
the same time to discredit Bin Sand. Shereef had sent emissary to Syria with
instructions as follows.
Firstly, that jihad should be proclaimed in Syria in first place ; in the event of
the people of Syria being reluctant to act, aid of Turks should be invoked.
Secondly, invitation should be sent from Syria to Bin Sand to lead jihad
movement in his capacity as avowed champion of Islam.
Thirdly, on the declaration of jihad, action to be directed in first place against
French in Syria and then against Mesopotamia ; it was hoped that Bin Sand would
co-operate against Mesopotamia.
Bin Saud said that it was obvious that Shereef (who would take no overt part in
above movement until it was definitely successful) anticipated that Bin Saud would
be placed by above manoeuvre on horns of a dilemma, viz. : —
If he joined movement he would thereby alienate British support.
If he held aloof, the people of Nejd, to whom strong appeal would be made,
would turn against him.
Bin Saud earnestly urged as vital necessity that following action be taken at
once to restore confidence and to prove to people of Nejd that he had not trusted
Great Britain in vain.
Firstly, His Majesty’s Government to guarantee at once in writing the maintenance
of existing status quo on frontier.
Secondly, His Majesty’s Government to guarantee at once in writing that Sheree,f
would refrain from aggressive policy.
Thirdly, Mecca and Medina pilgrimage to be opened to people of Nejd, and safety
of Nejd pilgrims whilst in Hedjaz to be assured.
Bin Saud expressed himself as positive, and undertook to guarantee that if
His Majesty’s Government could see their way to give above undertakings, peace of
Arabia, so far as he was concerned, was assured, and neither incitements to jihad nor
Syrian intrigues would have slightest effect on his people. He has up to date not
referred to question of money or arms.
Above is purport of message from Hofuf, dated 6th February, received Jlth
February.
My views folloAV.