"ملف X/١ ابن سعود وابن رشيد" [و‎‎٧‎٣] (٣٨٦/١٤٥)

I saw the Minister of War to-day, who told me that preparations for
sending troops were now suspended, and that probably no expedition would be
sent, as Ibn Saoui bad sent a letter to the Sultan asking pardon and tender
ing submission, so that the matter would be arranged amicably.
No troops at all would be sent from the Baghdad side, but very likely
four or, perhaps, six Aleppo battalions would be sent to Medina, but nothing
bad been actually decided.
The Minister told me that actually at the present time Ibn Basbid was
shut up by Ibn Saoud’s forces in the old fortress of Hail, bis capital. The
Chief of the staff and other officials confirmed the above information.
The troops of the 6th or Baghdad Corps are still armed with the old
Martini rifle, now much worn, and practically the same weapon as possessed
by Ibn Saoud’s men. It has now been decided to issue them the Mauser
rifle like the rest of the army, and for this purpose 40,000 small-bore Mausers
and also six batteries of the newer pattern of 7*5 centim, mountain guns,
made in the arsenal here, have been packed up, and are awaiting shipment
by an early steamer for Bussorah.
I have, etc.,
F. K. MAUNSELL, Lieutenant-Colonel,
Military Attache.
(Received on 12th December 1904, with Political Secretary's letter No. 48,
dated the 25th November 1904).
[Enclosure in Foreign Office covering letter of 21st November 1904.]
19th November 1904.
Decypher Mr. Townley, Pera (despatched 7-35, received 10-15 p.u.).
No. 169. ^ ^1
My despatch No. 862. Nejd hostilities.
Following from Consular Officer at Jeddah :—
“ An Agent, claiming to represent France and Russia, whether conjointly
or separately, is said to have attempted to communicate [group undecypherable]
Ibn Rashid of Nejd, but failed: Portd was informed.
“ Six battalions were leaving Syria via Akabaand Tembo for Nejd and the
[ ? ] battalions, mentioned in my telegram of September 12, have already
probably started.”
I have not been able to learn anything here in confirmation of the first
paragraph of above telegram.
To the Marquess of Lansdowne.