File 2182/1913 Pt 4 'Persian Gulf: Policy towards Bin Saud (Capt. Shakespear's Mission)' [‎73r] (143/426)

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Telegram P., No. D. S.-69, dated the 20th January 1915.
From—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Delhi,
To— Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Percf 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. , Basrah.
Please refer to your telegram dated the 13th instant, No. 46-B.
In the event of Saiyyid Talib proceeding to Bombay, he will be teppor-
arily treated as a guest of the State and will be allowed a monthly mainten
ance allowance of Rs. 1,200. Provision on this account has been made for
three months and the expenditure in question will eventually he chargeable
against Basrah revenues.
The Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. will be asked to give assistance in securing
accommodation for Saiyyid Talib and in quietly keeping him under surveil
lance. His visit to Delhi is not at present advisable. His Excellency the
Viceroy will discuss with you the Saiyyid’s future.
Meanwhile please report by telegram date of Saiyyid Talib’s arrival at
Bombay.
2
Telegram P., No D. S.-74, dated the 21st January 1915.
F'rom—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Delhi,
To—The Secretary to the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. , Political Department, Bombay.
Eor political reasons it is proposed to send to Bombay Saiyyid Talib,
lately a man of position in Basrah. He will be given an allowance of
Rs. 1,200 per mensem temporarily for his maintenance as State guest.
Will you kindly keep him under quiet surveillance and give him assis
tance necessary to secure accommodation. You will be informed later by
telegram of the date of his arrival.
3
Telegram P., No. D.S.-81, dated the 21st January 1915.
From—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department,
To— Lieutexant-Oolonel 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. .
Bin Saud. Reference your telegram No. 69-B., dated the 16th January
1915.
With a view to sealing Bin Saud’s allegiance to us the Government of
India agree that conclusion of a treaty with him is urgently necessary. A
detailed treaty however on the lines that are suggested by Bin Saud himself and
is commented on by you is fraught with many difficulties, eg., jurisdiction
over Moslem British subjects, boundaries, dynastic guarantee. Is it not possible
for a preliminary treaty to be concluded somewhat on the lines of the treaty
with Afghanistan to the following effect:—
(t) British Government recognise Bin Saud as independent ruler of Nejd,
Hasa and Katif.
(ii) In event of unprovoked aggression on his territories by any Foreign
Power, British Government are prepared to aid Bin Saud, to such
extent and in such manner as may appear necessary to British
Government, in repelling it.
(in) In return Bin Saud agrees to have no dealings with any other power
or to grant concessions to the subjects of any other power except
on the advice of the British Government which advice he will
unreservedly follow.
(iv) Further the British Government and Bin Saud agree to conclude as
soon as this can be conveniently arranged a detailed treaty in
regard to other matters which jointly concern them.