File 87/1926 Pt 2 'Arabia: Bin Saud: Relations with H.M.G. Revision of Treaty.' [‎544r] (775/840)

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As for the southern extremity of the frontier, our point of view is
identical with that of the British Government. We have discovered
on enquiry that the area in dispute is not the habitation of any speci
fied tribes, but is a grazing ground for tribes from all parts. It is
true that certain Trans-Jordan tribes use that area for grazing, but
this does not necessarily mean that the territory is part of Irans-
Jordan. In putting forward a demand for it the Nejd Government
did not seek aggrandisement or the subjection of tribes, but \\*eie
merely seeking to protect the interests of their subjects in those parts.
r'Xs for the threat to the Hejaz Railway, all we can say is that we
should be as jealous of its safety as anyone else, even though it may
not be under our administration, for it is a Moslem Waqf leading
to the Holy Places and entitled to every protection.
(Unsigned.)
Dated 24th Rabi‘ el Awwal 1344
(12th October, 1925).
Memorandum No. 3, presented by the Sultan of Nejd on the 14th
October, 1925, after the fourth meeting.
Summarized I'ranslation.
We wish to submit the following explanation, which we consider
most important in relation to the question at issue.
(a) For the last three years our subjects have expressed great
discontent at the usurpation by ‘Abdullah and certain members o t ic
Ruwalla tribes of Kaf and its villages, but in deference to Sir 1 ercy
Cox’s request we have abstained from retrieving our legitimate
possessions and have enjoined upon our tribes to be patient. ew
months ago, however, when one of our messengers carrying the mai
was arrested and ill-treated by ‘Abdullah, the Chiefs of our tribes and
certain members of our Government protested loudly to us, and in
order to reassure them we had no other course than to acquaint them
with the terms of His Majesty’s Government s ^ ette ^ of , 2 . 3 ^
October, 1924, which recognised our right to Kat We P' ac ed t
letter before them in support of our contention that His Majesty s
Government would always deal fairly with us on the question of our
natural frontier.
In submitting this to your impartial examination 1 have to ask
vou to consider my position towards my people. What am 1 to say
Tth™ face o y f These events? Can . tell them that the letter
whirh I showed them was an invention on my part. Ur am i
sav that the British Government, always renowned for its loyaJtv and
honour had reversed its previous decision and annulled the letter
which ! had to parade before my people? It .s out of the question
for me to accept such a thing, both for my sake and for that of the
British Government. I beg of you that you will take this explana
tion into full account and deal with the matter with your well-known
impartiality and far-sightedness. (Unsigned.)
Dated 26th Rabi‘ el Awwal 1344
{14th October, 1925).