File 705/1916 Pt 2 'Arab revolt: Arab reports; Sir M Sykes' reports' [‎173v] (344/450)

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issued to Sir P. Cox to bring about a rapprochement between them. Each claims
territory actually in the possession of the other, and it is for this reason that the
hostilities will probably have no termination until one or the other has attained his
object. Considerable feeling also exists in Koweit on this subject, as Bin Bashid and
the Shammar have committed various acts of aggression against Koweites during the
past few years, for none of which compensation has been obtained. Hence the efforts
made by us to establish good relations with Bin Bashid were not looked upon with
complete favour by Shaykh Jabin and his people. It would appear from the records
that Bin Saud has a strong claim to the possession of Hail and its neighbourhood,
strong enough, in my opinion, to enable us to support his cause. The Shammar were
greatly delighted at the death of Captain Shakespear in battle with them—he was not
fighting—and Bin Bashid has recently declared himself openly to be on the side of the
Turks, and to be only waiting for their aid to attack us. I suggest that it is desirable
to support Bin Saud against him. Bin Saud’s feelings towards us are too well known
to need description here. It may, perhaps, be thought that with the possession of Hail
he would become too powerful, but I am not of that opinion, knowing the man and
his views.
3 . General treatment of Arab Chiefs. Experience shows that some difference of
opinion exists in regard to the extent to which a Political Officer should interfere in the
internal concerns of an Arab State, and the line which his interference, if any, should
take ; I therefore venture to state my views. I have never had any difficulty in
obtaining control of the foreign relations, neither has any of importance been experienced
by me in regard to matters between the ruler and His Majesty’s Government; but any
control in local and tribal matters can only be acquired very gradually and unobtru
sively. It will generally be found that a Chief will resent at once any attempt to
interfere by a new Political Officer in local affairs, and that he will pointedly reject all
suggestions. This attitude should be treated with unconcern by the Political Officer
when possible and sympathised with when necessary ; it will gradually disappear with
the increase of affection for and confidence in him on the part of the Chief, and he will
find sooner or later, provided that he exercises sufficient patience and tact (with a
complete absence of patronage), that his advice will be asked more and more frequently,
probably on the very points upon which it had been formerly treated with disdain.
HOWEIT AND THE TBUCIAL COAST.
From two telegrams sent to the Foreign Office by Sir H. McMahon [Nos. 682
and 699], it appears that, on or about the 11 th August, Sir Percy Cox telegraphed to
Simla that the Shaykhs of Koweit and Mohammerah had sent him letters addressed to
the Sherif, with a request that they should be forwarded to their destination. These
letters merely expressed the loyalty of the writers to the Sherif, with congratulations
on what he had already achieved and prayers for the further success of his efforts. Sir
Percy Cox asked permission to forward these to Sir H. McMahon for transmission to
the Sherif.
MASKAT.
[Nil.]
BAHBEIN.
[Nil.]
PART II.
POLITICAL NOTES FROM THE FIELDS OF OPERATIONS.
Aden,
A copy of the twenty-fifth weekly letter from the Besident at Aden to the Secretary
of the Political Department of 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. has been received from the
India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. . It contains extremely interesting matter in regard to the efforts made by
Abdali Sultan in the cause of the Sherif, and to the intrigues of Saeed Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. with
the Protectorate Chiefs against Great Britain ; but as it is dated the 24th June it is a
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