Miscellaneous Correspondence, Notes, and Newspaper Cuttings Relating to Persia [‎117v] (238/255)

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him and submitted to him without opposition. Sheikh Mubarek received
them with honour. Those who have not yet made their submission are only the
inhabitants of E-iadh which has been guarded by Ibn Rashid’s men. Sheikh
Mubarek wants to attack them. If he takes Riadh, it will amount to his con
quering the Nejd province. The troops with Sheikh Mubarek amount to about
70,000 men. On reaching Nejd he took (married) the daughter of Sultan-
el-Dweish. On 17th February, Sheikh Sadun of Muntafik joined Sheikh
Mubarek with his troops numbering about 10,000 men. It is not yet known
where Ibn Rashid now is. At one time he is reported to be at Khaza and
Ayena; at another (at a place) between Meshed Ali and Smava, collecting
stores for his troops. Up to now he has not met Sheikh Mubarek in a fight,
while Sheikh Mubarek has reached his territory. If he is able to fight, he
would not be keeping himself in the background, and this shows his weakness.
On 30th January 1901, Abdul Aziz Ibn Rashid wrote a letter to Sheikh Jasim-
bin-Thani asking for his help in fighting Sheikh Mubarek. This was found out
from the bearers of the letter who were three men. They were arrested and
brought before Sheikh Mubarek, who took the letter and read it and ascer
tained Ibn Rashid’s circumstances and plans. He at once imprisoned them
and then sent them to Koweit to his son, Sheikh Jaber, to whom he sent a letter
enclosing Ibn Rashid’s letter.
As regards “ Haj ”, this year nobody has gone overland with Ibn Rashid’s
men. The pilgrims are afraid of their lives. Most of them have gone to the
Hedjaz by sea.
As regards Ibn Rashid he has a caravan consisting of 300 camels at
Zubeir. They had come there as usual to load for Hayel. They are waiting
these two months in Zubeir as they are afraid of leaving it.
As regards Koweit and the surrounding district they are safe, and Sheikh
Jaber is taking pains to protect the place. Every night about 4,000 armed
men are employed to protect the place against the enemy.
On 18th February, news reached Sheikh Jaber from his father to the effect
that Hamood’s sons, who are Ibn Rashid’s cousins had come to see him (Sheikh
"MjaTJafckj: They sued for peace and asked for a pardon. They stated “ Ibn
Rashid has taken up the quarrel with you without our consent, and as he is
acting against our advice we have come to you. Take us into your favour and
we will obey your orders and you are our Emir now. We do not recognise
Abdul Aziz Ibn Rashid, as he does not listen to our advice and does not consult us.
We are his cousins, and by right the Sheikhship should pass to us after Muham
mad Ibn Rashid, but we ourselves gave up the idea of pressing our right. In
fact, he is not fit to be the Chief. He creates discord between us and causes blood
shed. Now we are under your orders and you, Sheikh Mubarek, are our father.
We won’t submit to Ibn Rashid ”.
Sheikh Mubarak accepted their apology and treated them with respect.
On 17th February, news reached from Sheikh Mubarak’s friends at Zubeir
that a disturbance had taken place there among the inhabitants : that the
leading men of Zubeir thereupon wrote to Mohsin Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. (Wali of Basrah)
asking him to send about 100 soldiers for the protection of the place : that
Mohsin Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. accordingly sent 100 cavalry, but the latter were prevented by
the rioters from entering the town, and in the conflict which ensued two of the
cavalry and 4 of the rioters were killed. The leading inhabitants then inter
vened, and the soldiers entered the town and informed Moshin Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. of the
affair. Mohsin Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. sent word to the leading men of Zubeir and asked them to
come with Ibn Aun to Basrah (to see him). They at once went there, but I
have not heard the result.
Translation of a Report from the Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. News Agent at Koweit, dated the 27th February
1901.
On the 19th February, I sent you some news about Sheikh Mubarek and
Abdul Aziz Ibn Rashid, and I now beg to inform you that on 25th February