ملف رقم ٢١٨٢ لسنة ١٩١٣، الجزء ٥، "منطقة نجد بالجزيرة العربية: سياسة ابن سعود" [و‎‎٢‎٤‎٤] (٣٠٨/٦٣)

34
Telegram V., No. 941, dated the 27th (received 28th) October 1916.
From—The British High Commissioner, Egypt,
To—His Excellency the Viceroy, Simla.
Retreat of Faisal on 23rd towards Hamra is reported by Parker from
Rabegk. The following is telegraphed by Wilson, “ No. 412, October 26th.
Cypher telegram from Sheriff and private letter from Abdallah received this
morning.
“ In former Sheriff states that FaisaPs retreat was expected as explained
in his telegram of 10th October (see my despatch, dated October 13th, No. 8,
and my telegram, dated 13th October, No. 304) and that much trouble and
expense will be caused by delay in complying with requests made in his
message. Sheriff is said in Abdallah’s letter to be worried about Faisal’s retreat
(my telegram No. 402) and waits impatiently for immediate military help
from His Majesty’s Government to stop feared advance of Turks against
garrison of Rabegh.
“ Propose to reply to both that it is not possible for British troops to be
sent for reasons fully explained to Abdallah at meeting here, but thai. His
Majesty’s Government is endeavouring to arrange as soon as possible for an
adequate French Moslem force to be sent to Rabegh. Please say if you
approve ? Repeated to High Commissioner and addressed to Sirdar. ”
The following has been sent to Wilson by the Sirdar : “ No. 545, /6th
October. Your telegram No. 412. You should reply as suggested with regard
to impossibility of sending British (troops ?). But a sentence to the effect that
Arab necessities have been fully represented to His Majesty s Government,
and that yon will communicate the latter’s decision as soon as possible should
be substituted for reference to Moslem force.
Repeated to High Commissioner and addressed to Wilson.
Addressed London Foreign Office; repeated Aden.
35
Telegram P., dated the 27th (received 28th) October 1916.
From—His Majesty's Secretary of State for India, London,
To His Excellency the Viceroy, Simla (repeated Cox).
Please refer to your telegram of 30th ultimo regarding Ibn Saud. Have
you any further observations to offer on Cox’s telegram of October 6th, regard
ing Ibn Sand’s letter of September 3rd ? If disposition to play off Egyptian
against Indian authorities is indicated by section 15 of Ibn Sand’s letter of
July 20th, Cox should discourage any such attempts and allay suspicion
that British Government would sacrifice his interests or that Sheriff is not
acting in good faith, his deposition by the Turks could be cited in proof of this.
Though he is of small military value against Turks, Ibn Saud can assist
indirectlv bv holding Ibn Rashid in check and prevent him attacking Basrah
or Sheriff The capture of Hail need not be involved by this. With the
view expressed in your telegram of the 30th September, a limited offensive
of this kind would not be inconsistent, and he might be encouraged to
undertake it in his own interest.
Cox might report actual requirements if some assistance in the way of
munitions is really needed.