File 87/1926 Pt 2 'Arabia: Bin Saud: Relations with H.M.G. Revision of Treaty.' [‎525v] (738/840)

measures as the British Government might recommend to dispel any
such idea. He would be prepared also to abstain from fortifying- the
p ace on condition that should exceptional circumstances arise he
would be free after consultation with His Majesty’s Government to
arm it and take such military measures as circumstances required.
He would place before Great Britain two alternatives : either Great
Britain should prevent any danger arising to him or should allow
him to repel that danger himself. His whole attitude would be
defensive and not offensive. The question of ensuring British
interests on the border was one which he had very much at heart > *
and it was not his intention to place offensive posts on the frontier^
I then asked Ibn Sa'ud if he would make a statement with regard
to is treatment of certain tribes in Trans-Jordan who might come
trom time to time temporarily under his jurisdiction. The question
was not directly connected with that of Kaf, but I desired to have
an idea of his policy towards these tribes. Ibn Sa‘ud replied that
this matter could be regulated by conditions and agreements and the
nghts of tribes would be recognised. There was, however, one
point which would have to be provided for, and that was intrigues
against himself fomented by other rulers with a view to causing
troume between G.eat Britain and himself
In reply to a question, His Highness said that he would be pleased
to oome to some agreement whereby principles might be laid down
with a view to dealing with raids. He also welcomed the suggestion
ot contact and communication with British officers, which he thought
"•^i u ^ facilitate matters. If Kaf were granted to and occu-
£ le .,. ^ i. m le ’ vvou l ( l issue instructions to his subordinates to see
British officers regularly; he believed that this would lead to a
general understanding, and it was in fact one of the things for
which he asked. h
. *'•'*'■'**w m nicinoranaum i\o. r* in which His Highness
had claimed a frontier considerably nearer the Hejaz Railway than
had been offered him. At a previous conversation I had indicated
a certain point as being fixed, and I wished to learn why he desired
ie me to )e pushed back to the west. The area in question was
remo e rom ^cjcl and the tribes grazing in it belonged to Trans-
jor an. is . lajesty s Government considered it necessary that
s ouc ave sufficient room for their needs without having to
n er ^ territory. I added that to an impartial observer there
appeared to be only two reasons for his wishing to acquire this
,? r y ‘.P 116 ' xas bring influence to bear on Trans-Jordan tribes
PVi 6 ° t - r e , r V at to get within closer reach of the Hejaz
4 1 ! va y- . c atter question was one affecting the British Govern-
? , C P se y* as under the terms of the Peace Treaties they had
p* j^ r a en rcsponsibiliti.es in regard to those portions of the Hejaz
‘ - ay 1 a " within British Mandated territory. They must,
re 0re ’ l ' nsist ^n a sufficiently wide margin to ensure that the Rail-
«y a\ou ( remain secure from interference. Regarding the former
cou i d n ' ot Pefmit any policy of “ peaceful penetration ”
• 6 r ans-Jordan tribes must have the bulk of their traditional
ho , r g i/m unds and fal1 freedom of movement. His Highness said
1 ^ | 1 l to examine that question with his advisers and would
reply later, to which I agreed.
* Annexure 4..