File 4673/1919 Pt 1 ‘Persian Gulf:- Visit to England of the son of the Sheikh of Bahrein + party. General arrangements + proceedings. Incidence of cost.’ [‎251r] (479/494)

112 975). Wt. P148—88.
3000. 1^/17. S.J.F.&Co.
^ From Political, Baghdad, 9th March J919.
(Addressed Foreign, repeated to 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. .)
(Received 13th, 10.30 a.m.)
-73.). My Despatch dated 14th I* ebruary, 7842. Following from 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.
I sa accepts with pleasure the total abandonment of die payment of
Khidma. •
^ hole matter of Order in Council A regulation issued by the sovereign of the United Kingdom on the advice of the Privy Council. has been amicably and satisfactorily settled.
► i^d\li desnes expression ol his warmest thanks for all the consideration shown to him
to be (group omitted; in sincerest terms to His Majesty's Government.”
1 have suggested in a separate connection that Sheikh Isa should be gazetted
honoiary K.C.I.F., next King s birthday. 'I he present juncture appears pai ticularly
suitable, and I trust proposal will be lavourablv considered.
(P 1314) From Secretarg of Slate to Civil Commissioinr, Baohdad,
12th March 1919.
(Repeated Viceroy.)
Your telegram of 2nd March transmitted in Cairo telegram No. 327. Bin Sand.
Matter has received our further careful consideration in consultation with Wingate
and Philby. Object of orders conveyed in my telegram of 26th February was to tide
over immediate difficulty with a view to friendly arbitration between disputants at a
more convenient season. But in deference to your view, which has strong support
of Clayton and Wingate, that action proposed would not in fact achieve desired object^
are disposed to think that more definite announcement of our intention to support
King Husain against Wahabi aggression may not safely be made. At same time we
are reluctant to adopt so harsh a measure as immediate stoppage of whole subsidy
paid to Bin Saud, and we are anxious to convey our decision to latter in a form
which will not render it impossible for him to acquiesce with good grace. You
are accordingly authorised to send message to Bin Saud in following sense :—
“ Circumstances in which his subsidy was originally granted no longer exist.
Termination of hostilities has entirely altered situation, and His Majesty’s Government
are now curtailing in every direction the heavy expenditure incurred during the war.
They have continued his subsidy at full rate for some months in order to facilitate
demobilisation, but this having been accomplished they propose in any case to reduce
subsidy forthwith by one half. They take the opportunity to express their concern
at reports of impending hostilities between himself and King Husain to whom as he
is aware they are bound by closet ties. They cannot but regard as ill-advised Bin
Saud’s attempts to extend his influence and authority to so remote a spot as Khurma.
The spread of militant Wahabism in this region would, in their opinion, constitute
direct menace to Hejaz, security ol which they aie bounu to safeguaid against external
aggression from any quarter. In these circumstances they advise him as a friend to
sure that om oauu wm tewvc ~ ""V n . -T
the continuance of their support must be j*dependent on his readiness to fall in with
their wishes and advice.
Foreign Office are repeating this telegram to High Commissioner, Cairo, who
will be instructed to inform King Husain of purport of message to Bin Baud.