File 87/1926 Pt 2 'Arabia: Bin Saud: Relations with H.M.G. Revision of Treaty.' [‎303r] (293/840)

Protocol* With the amendment of the words "The High
British Government" agreed upon in regard to the Treaty,
the preliminary draft was accepted. The Foreing Office
representatives said that Ihn Sa'ud would probably endeavour
to modify the frontier suggested so as to include Akaba
within the Hejaz. Group Captain Burnett said that he
thought such a proposal must be resisted.
Sir G. Clayton urged the importance of attaching a
first class Arabic scholar to Mr. Jordan to assist him
in dealing with the numerous revised drafts which Ibn Sa’ud’s
advisers would no doubt put forward, and he suggested that
Mr. Antonius who was known to Ibn Ssftid’s advisers and had
dealt with them very successfully during the negotiation
of the Hadda and Bahra Agreements might be selected for the
purpose.
The Conference agreed that the Colonial Office
should ask Lord Plumer whether he could spare T'r. Antonius
and should infora Lord Plumer that it was proposed that
negotiations should begin early in October.
The Foreign Office representatives urged the
importance of making an early communication to Ibn 3a ad
on the subject since he would no doubt become suspicious
if there were further delays.
Air Services in the He.iaz. Major Young said tna^
the Air Ministry had asked that this subject snould be
discussed and the present opportunity had seemed suitable.
He was rather doubtful whether asiistance given to Ibn Sa’ud
in the formation of an air service would in fact increase
the demand for national air services in India and Sgypt ,
though