Page 79 - PERSIAN 8 1931_1940_Neat

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(6) The regular patrolling by Royal Air Force aeroplanes in Iraq combined
with the good ground control maintained by the Iraq Government
over their tribes in the Southern Desert, more especially the wilder
Dhafir sections, which control has had decided repercussions over
the border in Kuwait territory.
(c) The similar extremely tight control maintained by the frontier officers
of His Majesty King Bin Sand, who during the year also introduced
armed motor cars for patrol purposes.
(d) The calling in by Bin Saud of all Ncjd Government rifles issued to the
Awazim in 1029.
(e) The practical disarming of the Mutair and Ajman tribes in 1929-30.
Speaking generally however, one may say that the momentous change of
policy adopted by His Majesty King Bin Saud, towards Kuwait during 1930 and
1931 was chiefly responsible for this better state of affairs. For whereas prior to
1930, his policy had been to bring continuous pressure, and to hurt Kuwait
by deliberately authorizing and encouraging the many hot heads, among his
North-Eastern tribes to raid deep into Kuwait territory, looting and pillaging
whomsoever they would, lie the “ master ”, always denying responsibility, he had
since the spring of 1930 (following the collapse of the Akhwan rebellion) altered
his methods entirely, probably due to his desire not to strain the patience of His
Majesty’s Government too nuioh. These new methods have taken the form of a
passive but greatly tightened up blockade, combined with a general order for­
bidding his frontier tribes to cross the border or commit any acts of aggression
on pain of condign punishment. Such order was not difficult of enforcement, for
of themselves the most warlike tribes the Ajman and Mutair, would probably not
raid to-day even if ordered to, seeing that the punishment inflicted on them in 1929
and 1930 by Bin Sand, and especially the incarceration of their beloved Shaikhs
Fiasal-al-Duwisk and ibn Hathlain in Riath, had been so severe, that what affection
and loyalty they had for him, had been entirely replaced by a feeling of hatred
and distrust. More than this they would have transferred their allegiance entirely
to their old liege lord of Kuwait, were it not for their whole some fear of Bin
Saud. Nor could they give any outward expression to these new born feelings
owing to the host of spies who live amongst them and the strong forces which
both control them, and keep the blockade going.
The following incidents were dealt with during the year under review :—
(а) On 8th April 1931, some Juarccn tribesmen (Iraq tribe) operating from
Baniya North-West of Safwan in Iraq territory, raided a small
caravan of Ilarb tribesmen (Ncjd subjects) at Haliaba in the North-
West corner of Kuwait territory, as it was returning from Zubair.
Two of the Harb were killed. The Iraq frontier Police pursued the
raider, arrested 8 of them and exacted due punishment.
(б) On 6th May 1931 a party of 5 Mutair tribesmen secretly conveying
supplies from Kuwait, were attacked by a small party (if
“ AJashaala ” tribesmen (Iraq shepherds) near Manaqish. One
Mutairi was shot dead and his rifle taken. The Kuwait authorities
took immediate action and clapped a prominent leader of the tribe
into jail who happened to be in Kuwait, and so were able to recover
the rifle and “ Idia ”, blood money, for the relatives of the oead
man.
(c) On 20th' July 1931, a party of Nejd Mutair (Braih Seotion) came into
Kuwait and complained that the Dhafir under Jodaan-al-Suwait
camped at Subaihiych, had stolen 8 of the camels, as they were
secretly coming to Kuwait to purchase supplies. This was about tho
period when Ibn Muharib, Bin Saud Blockade official, w$s trying to
get the Dhafir co-operate in the blockade.
The Dhafir Shaikhs denied the charge, whereupon the agrieved Mutairis lay
up for some Dhafiris who were leaving Kuwait, and on 29th July
fell upon and carried off 2 Dhafir men, a woman and 4 camels all
loaded with provisions. Near the frontier they released the captives
hoping to get away with the camels and booty. Luck was against