Page 52 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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the formor investing him with full powers of mediation with the Turks. By
the advico of tlio Resident, Haji Ahmed communicated with tho Turkish Consul
at Bualiiro. Tho matter was then roforred to tho Governor-Gonoral of Turkish
Arabia, Rauf Pasha, who bad now succeeded Midlmt Pasha, and in duo
course TTaji Ahmed was summoned to Baghdad, llo loft Busliiro on Dili
July 1872 accompanied by tho Turkish Consul, who had assured tho Resident
that tho Turkish authorities were desirous of coming to a settlement with
Baud; a statement which the chief Turkish official at Basrah repeated to
Ilaji Ahmed. Tho Resident thought that Rauf Pasha was inclinod to
counteract his predecessor’s policy in Ncjd, and that tho retirement of tho
Turks from Wahabi territory and the appointment of Saud as a tributary of
Turkey with a guarantee of his good faith in tho shape of hostages to reside
at Baghdad would probably form the basis of the negotiations. Tho chief
difficulties to tho apprehended wore tho possible reluctance of Saud to trust
himself in Turkish hands in order to
Bocret, October 1873, Noi. 78-7'J.
conduct his negotiations with Haji
Ahmed, the question of hostagos, and the possibility of the negotiation not
being completed boforo the departure of Rauf Pasha who had been recalled.
Haji Ahmed arrived at Baghdad and telegraphed to the Resident, who had
been directed not to interfere in tho negotiations, that he had come to an
understanding with the Pasha and was about to proceed to the Wahabi coast
in order to carry into effect tho terms of the arbitration; but although lio
described his negotiations os successful,
Sceret, October 1871, No. 80.
the Pasha evidently iusisted much on
the presence of a hostage on tho part of Saud. On his return from Baghdad
lie was conveyed to Khatif in a Turkish
Secret, Auguit 1872, No. 172.
Steamer with friendly letters for Saud.
From Khatif ho wont to Hasa, w’hero he was entertained by the Governor
and wrote letters to Saud, who was thon
Secret, October 1872, No. 116.
several days’ march from Hasa, to come
there or else, if that were not possible, to appoint a place of mooting in tho
neighbourhood.
152. The Resident considered that Saud was unquestionably desirous of con­
cluding some arrangement under which
Secret, October 1872, No. 114.
the Turks should retire, and that they
were equally anxious to withdraw from so costly and unprofitable an expedi­
tion as this had proved to be, but the ill-feeling between the brothers was of
course a difficulty in the way of effecting a settlement. The belief ho had
previously expressed that Saud would hesitate before placing himself in the
power of the Turks was soon confirmed, for several messengers were despatched
to him by Haji Ahmed apparently in vain ; for though lie eventually moved
Also celled Fehad bia Sintion. towards llasa, he sent his cousin Faliad
bin Abdullah in advance to ascertain the
Secret, Febraetj 1873, No. 173. real intentions of the Turks, proposing
to follow him after occupying Kherj as a means of guarding against any attack
by Abdullah bin Feysal on his rear, or treachery on the part of the Turks in
front. Failed duly arrived at nasa,
8ocr«t, Fobroiry 1873, No. 174.
where ho was treated with much considera­
tion by Ferik Pasha, but the terms offered by the Turks were distasteful to
him, and Ferik Pasha would not agree to Saud’s occupation of Kherj.
153. Soon afterwards Abdul Rahman, Saud’s youngest brother, arrived at
Hasa, and Haji Ahmed, who found that
Secret, Fcbnwy 1873, No. 200.
Saud could not be induced to come to
Hasa on the terms proposed by the Turks, determined to return to Baghdad
and complete the negotiation there, taking with him Abdul Rahman and
Farhan bin Kheirullah. It is difficult to understand how Saud, who was well
aw'are of tho anxiety of the Turks to secure ouo of his sons ob a hostage,
could have been ao imprudent aa to have allowed him to undertake this
journey.