Papers on British policy and the Arab movement [‎166v] (336/380)

“ I have interviewed Mavia’s confidential agent to-day. He is ready to
conclude an agreement with our tribesmen to attack Turks, and asks for 7 i,000
rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. . This sum might well he spent in view of Government grant to Idrisi of
55,000 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. for the same purpose. If grant sanctioned, propose payment at my
discretmn as scheme develops. lie states if no assistance l- iven him he cannot
take action against Turks. He might, in my opinion, on the other hand, he com
pelled by Turks to fight against us, in which case we must move out of Aden to
his assistance and that of our own friendly tribes on our borders. S nee Turks are
now over our border, I would strongly recommend as a better alternative to paying
the money to Maria that a Britidi force of one brigade of infantry and one
mountain battery should be sent to Dala I have no doubt such an advance on
our part will call in all our tribes as well as Mavia, who would fight with us in
defence of their interests. Situation is entirely changed since the Turks crossed
the frontier, and it is now imperative for British prestige among our protected
tribes that the British should take action and lead them against the Turks, and
not leave it to Mavia, a Turkish Arab, to do.”
On the 9th February, 1915, the Resident telegraphed further as follows
(16539/15):—
“ If Government will render assistance as asked for in above-mentioned
telegram, Mavia can certainly squash this movement, but I still consider it better
for our troops to go up, as this step would be more likely effectually to check
movement.”
This telegram was repeated by the Viceroy to the 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. on the 10th February,
1915, with the following comment (16539/15) :—
“ Wc have informed Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. that no reinforcements, either permanent
or temporary, can be sent from India, except in the case of extreme disorder. A
sum of 75,000 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. has been placed at his disposal to enable him to subsidise
chiefs inside and on borders of protectorate, including Mavia. We have suggested
that Mavia should not receive more than Idrisi.”
Further developments were reported by the Viceroy in a telegram of the
22nd February, 1915 (21661/151 :—
Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. at Aden explains position of Mavia more difficult than
that of idrisi, as former is a Turkish pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. in receipt of Turkish stipend and on
actual Turkish soil, while latter is free from Turkish attack. Mavia undertakes to
drive out lurks and Turkish Arabs from Liwa of Taiz, including Kazas of Kataba,
Kamaira al Hagariya, Mokha, that is, from Kataba down to Sheikh Said. He will
further expel Turkish forces now within our borders at Dala and Jubbal Jihaf.
Resident is concluding terms with Mavia on lines approved by your telegram of the
28th December, but in view of Imam’s attitude and likelihood of his joining Turks,
as also possibility of fight being proloi ged and aims of Mavia not being fulfilled,
advocates his being authorised to promise extra pecuniary assistance t<> Mavia if
move rendered imperative to secure co-operation in expulsion of Turks. As
governor-general, Yemen, is reported to be proceeding to Ibb and Turks are in
possession of Dala and plateau and have ascended Jubbal Jihaf, Resident considers
Mavia should strike at once. We have therefore placed further 50,000 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. at
Resident's disposal and have authorised his giving Mavia assurance within this
limit, but have directed that before making any further promise he should satisfy
himself that Mavia is seriously carrying out his engagements.”
The agreement referred to in this telegram was actually signed at Aden on the
19th February, 1915, Sheikh Haj Ali Nasir al Kamarani acting on Mavia’s behalf as
his plenipotentiary. The text was enclosed in a despatch from the Resident, dated
the 23rd February. 1915 (50398/15). A c py is appended to the present memorandum,
buta summary of the provisions may be given at this point.
Article 1 .— The Resident to pay Mavia 75,000 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. in instalments, the first
instalment of 25,000 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. to be paid over at once, through the Sultan of Lahej, the
remainder at the discretion of the Resident and the Sultan in proportion to the Work
done by Mavia.
Article 2.—His Majesty’s Government will pay further subsidies, in excess of the
75,000 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. , at their discretion, if the above sum appears insufficient for the expulsion
of the Turks and their Arab allies from the Liwa of Taiz.