"الملف 61/28 (D 85) بعثة الحجاز-نجد إلى أوروبا" [ظ‎‎١‎٨] (١٠٨/٤٥)

V.— Soviet A cMvities and Propaganda.
They were also to enquire, as King Abdul Aziz had enquired in the past,
what policy His Majesty's Government would advise him to follow in regard
to Soviet activities.
Fuad Bey Hamza said that these were the points which the mission were
instructed to take up with His Majesty's Government. The one of fundamental
importance was the first. If the reply on that point was encouraging, the others
could be dealt with in turn.
Sir L. Olifhant then replied on each of these five points in turn.
As to I, the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the Hejaz-Nejd,
he said he had always been puzzled when, from time to time, it was reported
that King Abdul Aziz felt doubts as to the continuance of the friendly attitude
of His Majesty's Government. He assured Fuad Bey Hamza emphatically that
in fundamentals that attitude was as cordial as ever. He stressed the phrase
"in fundamentals." With the extension of the dominions of King Abdul Aziz,
the points of contact with His Majesty's Government had increased in number.
Since the war. His Majesty's Government had certain connexions with terri
tories which were adjacent to those dominions and which formerly had been
part of the Turkish Empire. Sir Lancelot emphasised that these were not
colonies, but mandated territories, and that this distinction connoted a real
difference of relationship, and a real difference in the degree of control exercised
by His Majesty's Government. With the more numerous points of contact,
occasions of differences between His Majesty's Government and the Hejaz-Nejd
Government had naturally arisen. King Abdul Aziz, before now, had explained
that, when he spoke frankly, it was because it was appropriate to do so between
friends. His Majesty's Government agreed with this sentiment, and when causes
of difficulty arose, they, too, believed in speaking frankly, as the best means of
clearing up differences between friends. His Majesty must, therefore, not
misunderstand them when they did so, or think that this showed a change of
fundamental attitude. As he said before, he could give an absolute assurance
that, fundamentally. His Majesty's Government's attitude remained one of
sincere friendship.
Sir Lancelot added that, if Fuad Bey, when he returned to his country,
would explain this to His Majesty, and remove any misapprehensions which he
might have on this subject, the mission's visit to this country would have been
well worth while.
Fuad Bey Hamza expressed his pleasure at Sir L. Oliphant's statement, and
he said he would do his best on his return to the Hejaz to eradicate from
King Abdul Aziz s mind any mistaken ideas that might remain on this subject.
Passing to II, the missions request for a loan, Sir L. Olifhant explained
the difficulties in this time of most stringent economy. He would not mislead
Fuad Bey into thinking it was at all likely that the mission's request could be
acceded to. He would, however, put the point to the Treasury and would give an
answer soon, so that the mission might, if they wished, approach financial houses,
although he feared that from that quarter, too, the chances of getting a loan were
remote.
Fuad Bey Hamza said that, if His Majesty's Government could not
themselves make a loan to his Government, they could, perhaps, arrange one with
some financial houses. His Government only required a loan of £500 000 In
answer to a question, he explained that he meant £500,000 gold, or its equivalent,
and that he had data as to what could be offered as security.
Sit L. Oliphant said that, while he could not encourage any hope in Fuad
Bey, he would consult the competent department.
v In AK^ a A d -^ ! IT ' , Haramein Wakfs, Sir L. Oliphant recalled that
King Abdul Aziz had made a similar request some years ago, and His Maiestv's
Government had given a written reply. The Government of India could not
i ,, ll|i " , ru ^ns and quasi-religious matters, and there were no religious
r V i - but His Majesty s Government had explained that, if the Hejaz-
Mejd Government wished, they could have recourse to the civil courts, and had