Papers on British policy and the Arab movement [‎172r] (349/380)

9
present, to consider them again later and to accept them at as early a date as
possible.”
In view of Sir P. Cox’s instructions, the Resident at Koweit was unable to carry
the negotiations further on his own initiative, but in his report, dated the 26th October,
1915, he made the following recommendations :—
“ In consideration of the Sheikh’s remarks given above, and the fact that the
position is much as stated by him, I am disposed to recommend that the Govern
ment of India may be pleased to accept the explanation of his inability to admit
British traders into his dominions for the present, and to negotiate the remainder
of the draft treaty on the understanding that a subsidiary agreement regarding
the clauses omitted will be made subsequently. I am convinced that Sheikh
Abdullah will abide loyally by the engagements into which he is now prepared to
enter, and I believe that practical experience of our encouragement and support
will increase his reliance on us, which is really all that is necessary.
“ It is quite possible that, should we decline to treat with him without these
clauses, he might ultimately agree to their inclusion under protest, but, unless it
is considered that there is any urgency in regard either to the admission of traders,
or a British agent, or both, the acceptance for the present of the Sheikh’s explan
ations will pay us best in the long run, as it will, in my opinion, be more likely to
win his confidence and regard.
“ I am averse, generally speaking, from coercive measures with Arab chiefs,
except in cases of obvious breaches of engagements.”
Sir P. Cox, in a report dated the 17th April, 1916, to the Government of India,
proposed to meet the case in another way :—
“ I would recommend another attempt to get the treaty signed without alter
ation, in order to keep it in line with those in force in the case of the other Sheikhs
in treaty with us, but I think we might give Sheikh Abdullah a separate letter at
the same time, explaining that it was important to have the treaty worded on the
same lines as others, but assuring him that we have no intention at present of
pressing for fulfilment of articles 4, 5, and 8. As long as our right in each
of these respects is clearly enunciated, I think we can afford to reserve them for
the present for the reason that, if trade and harbour facilities progress at Bahrein,
as they are doing, the trade for the greater part of the Katar peninsula will depend
upon Bahrein, when we shall have practical control over it.
“ As regards article 6 of the general treaty, I am of opinion that it w^ould be .
best for Sheikh Abdullah to sign the treaty as a whole, but with the reservation
above the signature in regard to the above article that he does not subscribe to-
article 6.”
The Viceroy, in a telegram 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. dated the 2nd June, 1916
(107294/16), suggested that Sheikh Abdullah’s objections should be acceded to, if
necessary :—
“ Articles to which Sheikh takes exception are of no great importance at
present time, and by accepting remaining articles Sheikh undertakes to do
practically all that we immediately require. We therefore propose to authorise
Cox to negotiate treaty on lines acceptable to Sheikh, should he find any difficulty
in securing Sheikh’s acceptance of articles to which he now objects. We consider
it more important to secure a reasonably satisfactory treaty than run the risk of a
breakdown of negotiations by insisting on conclusion of a treaty on all fours with
other trucial treaties. Kindly telegraph your approval.”
This suggestion was approved by 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. (125270/16), with the con
currence of the Foreign Office (120978/16), in a telegram dated the 27th June, 1916.
Accordingly the Government of India telegraphed to Sir P. Cox on the 29th June,
1916 (164214/16), that he should resume negotiations with Sheikh Abdullah on the
suggested lines, with the special instruction that article 3 of the draft, providing for
the importation of arms, should be framed more strictly.
Sir P. Cox proceeded in due course to Katar and carried the negotiations to a
conclusion (15720/17). The text of the treaty, as it was eventually signed by him and
Sheikh Abdullah at A1 Bidaa on the 3rd November, 1916, is printed in Appendix A to
[972] D