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258. In the beginning of April, Abdul Aziz-bin-Alulul Rahman-bin-Fcysal
appears to have left Riadh for the purpose
No. 132 of Secret E., July 1902, Noi. 307*609.
of attacking the tribes attached to Ibn
Itaskid. lie fell in with the Sablan tribe at Al-Mojuam and completely routed
them.
259. About this time Ibn Saud approached tlio British officers with a pro­
posal for British protection. At tho end
No. 39 of Secret E., October 1902, Noi. 11*41.
of December 1901, Abdur Itahman had an
interview with tho Russian Consul of Bushire, who had offered military assist­
ance to him on certain conditions. But ho was dissuaded by Sheikh Mubarak
from accepting tlio offer of assistance. Ho now sought British protection, as
the safest means to save himself from tho intrigues of the Turkish Government
who had espoused tho cause of Ibn Rashid.
260. On 11th of May 1904, Abdul Rahman-bin-Feysal left Kowoit to join
his victorious son at Riadh, accompanied by the leading men of tho Ajman and
al-Morra tribes.
2G1. On tho 31st July 1902, Mr. Wratislaw reported that Ibn Rashid was
making energetic preparations for a cam­
No. 27 of Secret E., October 1903, Nob. 11*41.
paign against Abdul Aziz-bin-Abdul Rah­
man bin Feysul ns soon as weather permitted. He had endeavoured to detach
some of the tribes from Ibn Saud by proclaiming that the cutler was only a tool
of the English, who wished to make themselves masters of Arabia.' Mr. Wratis­
law also reported that it was notorious that Mubarak was aiding and abetting
Ibn Saud, and that hostilities between Ibii Rashid, with the Turks in sympathy
with him, and the Sheikh of Koweit were unavoidable.
262. In August a fight took place between Ibn Rashid’s men and the
Sheikh’s people at a place called Subbyah,
No. 37 of correspondence cited.
10 hour’s journey from Koweit.
263. In August, Ibn Rashid had reached and occupied Boreider, which
belongs to the Kasim tribe. He also occupied Vishker, which belongs to tho
Vasham of Nejd. It was expected that there would bo a serious fight between
Ibn Saud and Ibn Rashid at an early date. It was later on reported that Riadh
had been captured^by Ibn Rashid. But this news turned out to be false, as was
found from the accounts received subsequently.
264. In a letter dated 21st November the Senior Naval Officer reported facts
that came to his notice while on a visit to Koweit during the month
fl On the 18th November, Sheikh Mubarak recoived a letter from Abdul Aziz Bin Saud to
6ay that, after a long engagement, he had defeat­
Endo. Pro. 48 on Secret E., April 1903, No*. 23*70. ed Bin Rashid, the Amir of Nejd, at a place
called Dellura, which is about one day's march south of Riad. Bin Rashid lost over 250
killed, and was pursued in a north-westerly direction for five days by Abdul Aziz, who captur­
ed many horses, camels, toots, etc. Bin Rashid was now supposed to bo at Ghassib (3), which is
about 11 days' march north-west of Riadh. Abdul Aziz, the60Q of Abdul Rahman Bin Feysul
who had captured Riadh, in January 1902, had since then with his brother, Mahomet, and
his father been collecting their forces. Abdul Rahman it was believed was most friendly with
the Sheikh of Koweit, with whom he was living up to January 1902; and if Bin Rashid, the
present Amir of Nejd, were entirely crushed, tho position of Koweit would bo much strengthen­
ed, for it wai doubtful if the Turks would ever attempt to iuterfero with that place if they knew
that the Arabs in Nejd would support Koweit, as it would probably jeopardise their position a
Has a and Katif. Mahomed Bin Saud, tho second son of Abdul Itahman Bln Fesul, had been
at Koweit in November, but left for Riadh about 6th November. Mubarak, while owning that
Mohamed had come north with the object of securing the assistance of various Arab tribes#
denied that ho personally gave him any reinforcements. This assertion on the Sheikh fl par
was doubtful, as the townspeople declared that Mahomet not only received a cons! erae
force of riflemen, butaotually attacked the Shunmao tribo who own allegiance to Bin 1 as i
and brought the looted camels, etc., into Jehara (west end of Koweit harbour). A1 oug
Mubarak had been warned by the Political Resident not to tako any part in tho presont quarroi,
it was likely that his sympathy "with Abdul Rahman Bin Feysul would bo shown more in a
active than a passive manner; for if his cnomy, the Amir, of Nejd, got tho best or tinsquarre ,
he would most probably again turn his attention to Koweit.”