ملف ١٩٢٦/٨٧ الجزء ٢ "الجزيرة العربية: ابن سعود: العلاقات مع الحكومة البريطانية. مراجعة المعاهدة." [و‎‎٣‎٩‎٠] (٨٤٠/٤٦٧)

LHS/'BJBAiP.
7? 2311
(E23 Qro^a) —2T"
3176 0
Depaurutant, to Secretary of State for
Iniaiao
Dated Sinla, ] 2th July, 1926„
Kaoeived 13th July, 1926, 12.30 &.m.
n
1213>3> Third and laBt jparW
We are against enforceaent of capitulattsics^
rights by Treaty. Though Indian Uoaleraa are likely
to need all the protection ne can give them against Wahabi
fanaticism and crude methods of justice, any attest on our
part, at this stage, to limit jurisdiction and sovereignty
of Bedjas Governaent, or to interfere by treaty with
administration of Moslem holy law in Moslem ho3,y land, would
antagonise Muffle 111 India. For the moment, we think i» wise'
to aim at securing very little more than normal consular powers
of interference,, plus a clause providing for most favoured
nation treatment for British subjects. Hence, while we would
' include Article 5 of 1915 Agreement, amplified so as to provide
also for freedom of religious observances and rites for
Moolomii of British nationality, we would reduce Articles 11 to
14 cf draft treaty with Hussein to some general provision,
innocuous in fun? but extendible in practice,ouch as
recognition of the right of our Consular Officers to send
representatives to watch civil or criminal yroceedirge ir
which British subjects are concerned. We would exclude
Article 15, however, fer though such declaration would bo
valuable in dispelling suspicions regarding our intentions, we
might, and probably will in tin*, wish to secure rights H
as we anticipate, we are forced by public opinion to seek
fuller protection for British subjects. Meanwhile ws should
rely on prestige of His Majesty’s Goverrment and persona*
influence of His Majesty’s Consul to keep/grave injustice to
our