Page 58 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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whether it was dosirablo that Her Majesty’s Government should interfere
with the discretion of tho Turkish Government in the matter.
179. In September 18S0 further correspondence was forwarded from tho
India Office, giving an account of tho
Socrot, Ociobor 1880, No*. 1G3-K50.
Shoikli’s interview with tho Vico-Consul
at Damascus, and with Ilor Majesty’s Ambassador at Constantinople. He
appears to have left Jeddah in March and rcachod Constantinople in August
1880.
ISO. A lotter from tho Vice-Consul at Damascus, dated tho 22nd July 1880,
gives an interesting account of Mahomed
Secret, October 1880, No. 1C9.
ibn Rashid, tho Ruler and Amir of the
Jcbel Shammar. Of Abdullah bin Thanncyyan ho says —
“Altogether the Amir Abdulin, who called upon mo, did not givo mo tho impression that
he was identified with any pnrty in Anrid, but that ho sought rather for personal
motives to become, with or without the connivance of tho Turkish authorities, ruler of El-
Hasa; and ultimately, on the death of his uncle, the claimant by right of descent to the rule
of Aarid. lie spoke, perhaps naturally, in dis paraging terms of tho power and position of
Mahomed bin Rashid, tho present independent ruler and Amir of tho Jolcl Shammar, and tho
Flag E. (Northern Nejd) districts, formerly tributary to the Wahabite monarchy. This bin
Rashid is considered generally in this part of tho country as all-powerful in Nejd, and is besides,
according to some poi sons, perhaps the future leader of national aspirations in Central Arabia.*’
181. Tlio Vico-Consul further observod that Turkey possessed no influence
or authority in Nojd or Central Arabia. With roforenco to tho existence of any
national movement in Arabia ho wrote—
“Asmuoh has been said in the European press of late as to a national movement in
Arabia, I may venture to state that no evidence of such is "obtainable in this quarter; and
that as regards the Bedouin tribes of the Syrian desert, which arc supposed to be becoming
gradually inoculated with similar ideas, the tribal wars and feuds, now a9 ever prevailing
.among them, and their complete subjection to the Turkish authorities whenever they approach
the Syrian frontiers, would tond to show that the time is yet distant when unity of action or
purpose can be obtainable among them.**
182. In October 18S0 Government received a copy of a dospatch from
Mr. Zuhrab, in which ho gave a short
Secret, October 1880, No. 1G3.
account of the condition of Nojd, aud the
plans of the Saud dynasty. Before leaving Jeddah, Abdulla bin Thanneyyan
had several interviews with the Consul, and gave him two documents, copies
of which accompanied Mr. Zohrab’s despatch. The first of these documents shows
the line of succession in Nejd for tho last 450 years, the second is an account
' of the struggle between Saud and his brother, Abdullah, who was aided by
the Turks. The latter is written for publication in the English newspapers.
183. From Abdullah bin Thannoyyan’s account it would appear that after
the death of Saud bin Feysal in 1874, his children being too young to govern
were obliged to submit to their uncle, Abdullah bin Feysal, who virtually ruled
in Nejd. Abdullah’s adherents, the Wahabis, were opposed to tho Saucl faction,
who desired tho expulsion of tho Turks from tho coast line, tho development
of trade, free communication with other nations, and the moral support and
protection of England.
1S4. Abdullah bin Thanneyyan explained to Mr. Zolirab that numbers of
Nejdians had in recent years travelled to India and other foreign countries for
trading purposes, which partly accounted for the liberal views of tho Saud
party, and in addition the dread of seeing tho Turks push further into the
country had raised a strong and influential party in favour of British protec­
tion. Once recognized by England as an independent people, this party thinks
tho Sultan could be induced to withdraw from tho iusignilicaut points held by
bis troops in Nejd; but if bo declined to do this, they believe tlioy could drive
his troops out. They also hope that free intercourse with other countries
would soon break that fanaticism for which the Nejdians have a not enviable
reputation.
185. Mr. Zobrab adds—
« jjow far jfc may be of advantage to England to oountenanco tho hopes and wishes of
Nejd is not iu mf prorinoo to discuss; but 1 will venturo to point out that as tbore appears to