File 2182/1913 Pt 4 'Persian Gulf: Policy towards Bin Saud (Capt. Shakespear's Mission)' [‎73v] (144/426)

The Government of India propose, if you agree, that a treaty on these lines
is advisable and Bin Saud is likely to accept it, to make recommendations
accordingly to His Majesty’s Secretary of State for India.
Ho you consider it desirable that we should make a present of money
contingent on conclusion of treaty as earnest of our friendly intentions ? If so,
what amount do you consider w T ould suffice for the purpose.
Dated Kurna, the 9th (received 23rd) January 1915.
From —Lietjtknant-Colonel Sir P. Z. 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. ,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department.
In amplification of the telegraphic cor
respondence ending with my telegram
No. 116-B. of the 26th December on the
reference of Saiyyid Talib and Ibn Saud, I
have the honour to submit translation of
the letters cited, for the information of
the Government of India.
1. Letter from Bin Saud, dated the 5th Decem
ber 1914.
2. Letter to Bin Saud, dated 17th Decem
ber 1914.
3. Letter from Bin Saud, dated 10th December
1914.
4. Letter from Saiyyid Talib, dated 10th De
cember 1914.
5. Letter to Bin Saud, dated 23rd December
1914.
6 . Letter to Saiyyid Talib, dated 23rd Decem
ber 1914.
Enclosure No. 1 , Serial No I.
Translation of a letter from Amir Abdul Aziz bin Abdur Bahman Al Faisal
(i Bin Saud” to Colonel Sir F. Z. Cox, K.C.I.E., C SI., Folitical Resi
dent in the Fersian Gulf, dated the 17th Muharram 1333 (5th December
1914).
After compliments. Let it not be hidden from you that some days ago
Sayid Talib-an-Naqib came to me here at Buraidah. His coming is due to the
state of Turkish affairs and to the high-handed treatment that he had received
at the hands of the Turks during the last two years, and then to the arrival
of Javid at Basrah, and the fact that under the guise of warlike measures the
Turks started pursuing their personal motives against him—motives which it
is difficult to explain except verbally at interview. Placing his trust in the
old relations subsisting between us and his family generally and particularly
between him and myself personally, Saiyyid Talib managed to secure a mission
for himself from the Inspector of Turkish War affairs some 20 days before his
departure, and this mission enabled him to leave Basrah and afforded him from
molestation by any body. He is now in my company and we are proceeding
to your side.
I have received a letter from my friend Captain Shakespear asking me to
see him, and I have written him a reply appointing a place for our meeting.
On our meeting I shall explain to him matters which no doubt he will report
to you and which concern the interests of the Arab race and the confirmation
of the old relations between us and the high British Government. We still
abide by our old relations and nothing will change our attitude but things that
may be harmful to our religion and the Arab race. You are the best of
people with regard to this matter and we hope from you every good. As
regards the dealings of Saiyyid Talib with us and with you, they are not accord
ing to what has been made out by mischievous people from motives of self-
interest. The truth will become apparent, and he is one of the people who
deserve respect and consideration.
We have now arrived at a place called Mustavi, and have heard of your
arrival at Basrah and of the occupation of the place by the British troops and
of the just and good treatment and consideration you have shown to the
populace. This makes me all the more thankful. As I have (at Basrah)
my trusted people deserving of respect like Abdul Latif-al-Mandail and his
family, I thought it fit to make this known to you. I shall be thankful if you
will kindly keep in mind these and all my subjects belonging to Nejd and
now residing in the districts of Basrah and Zubair.
Complimentary ending.