File 87/1926 Pt 2 'Arabia: Bin Saud: Relations with H.M.G. Revision of Treaty.' [‎559v] (806/840)

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Sa ud may, as a result of his conquests in the Hejaz, move his capital
to some more readily accessible spot), His Majesty’s Government
would prefer to reserve their decision until conditions in Arabia
become more stable. You should, however, encourage I bn Sa‘ud to
discuss this question frankly with you, and, without definitely com-
mittmg- His Majesty’s Government to any of the above alternatives
you should endeavour to ascertain his wishes in the matter You
should point out to Ibn Sa‘ud that His Majesty’s Government are
desirous of making arrangements which would enable them to h
kept permanently in touch with him, if circumstances render suchT^S
course practicable, and both in discussing this matter with Ibn Sa’iicT
and throughout your discussions with him you should make it clear
that His Majesty s Government are anxious to be on cordial terms
with His Highness and to co-operate with him wherever possible.
10. It is not improbable that during your conversations Ibn Sa'ud
will raise the question of his position in the Hejaz and will endeavour
to obtain from you a statement of His Majesty’s Government’s
policy, and in particular to learn what views His Majesty’s Govern
ment take of the recent expansion of his territories and what are
their wishes with regard to the future administration of the Hejaz.
It bn Sa ud questions you on these points you should confine your
reply to a statement that His Majesty’s Government’s only desire
is tor the speedy termination of the present hostilities and the re
establishment of peaceful conditions in the Hejaz; their recent offer
of mediation was made with this sole object in view, and they have
learned with regret that Ibn Sa'ud is at present unwilling to accept
it. Their offer has, however, not been withdrawn, and it is still
open to Ibn Sa ud, should he so desire, to avail himself of their good
offices. But while hostilities continue His Majesty’s Government
have no alternative but to maintain an attitude of strict neutrality.
j . re p r T d T 1° the u,tlm ate regime to be set up in the Holy Cities
and in the Hejaz generally, you should point out that, beyond doing
everything in their power to ensure that their Moslem subjects have
-! afe access to the h <>ly places, His Majesty’s Government
feel that they cannot properly intervene in a matter which so closelv
concerns Moslem opinion as a whole. While confining yourself to a
statement on the above lines, you should in no way discourage Ibn
Sa ud from discussing the matter freely with you.
H. Ibn Sa‘ud may also represent that the terms of the Treaty*
concluded with him in 1916, a copy of which is enclosed, are no
longer appropriate, in view of the recent extension of his territories
and may suggest that this Treaty should be replaced by one more in
accord with his increased influence and importance. In this event
you should inform him that, while hostilities are actually in progress
His Majesty s Government clearly cannot enter into negotiations for
a new Treaty, and that until peace is restored and stable conditions
< e established His Majesty’s Government would prefer to leave
matters as they are. c<ive
12. Should Ibn Sa'ud raise other questions which are not covered
y these instructions you should take note of what he has to sav
Mm tha? rt t0 HlS Gover . nment > at the same time informing
him that you are without instructions on these points, but that you
JhelwmT 111 ^ S V16WS t0 - His Ma i €st y’ s Government, by whom
they will be given every consideration.
* Not printed.