Conference at Koweit (Kuwait) between Nejd, Trans-Jordania and Iraq for settlement of boundaries

This file relates to the unsuccessful conference at Koweit [Kuwait] for the settlement of borders between Iraq, Trans-Jordania [Transjordan], the Sultanate of Nejd and the Kingdom of Hejaz. It includes details of the arrangements for, and negotiations undertaken at, the conference containing correspondence concerning:

• Implications of the border dispute between Nejd, Iraq and Transjordan on the air route between Transjordan and Iraq
• Sheikh of Mohammerah Khaz'al Bin Jabir Bin Merdaw Al Ka'bi’s offer to host the conference
• Arrangement of the location, timing, invitations and expenses of the conference
• Appointment of Colonel G Knox as HMG’s representative at the conference; and Knox’s illness threatening proceedings
• Unwillingness of the Rulers Amir Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud (Ibn Saud) of Nejd, King Faisal Bin Hussein of Iraq and Amir Abdulla Bin Hussein of Transjordan to attend; and problems relating to the lack of authority afforded to delegates at the conference to make decisions on behalf of their Rulers
• Delays to the commencement of the conference
• Consideration of Ibn Saud’s willingness to cooperate
• The ‘undesirability’ of the representatives at the conference
• King Faisal’s suggestion that he be the sole representative of Iraq, Transjordan and Hejaz
• Crisis on the border between Nejd and Hejaz; Iraq and Transjordan’s support for Hejaz; and HMG’s attempts to induce King Hussein Bin Ali of Hejaz to participate in the conference
• Dispute between Iraq and Nejd concerning cross border raiding by tribal refugees seeking sanctuary in Iraq from Ikhwan tribesmen allied to Ibn Saud; and the large raid across the Iraqi border precluding further negotiations
• Border dispute between Transjordan and Nejd; suggestions for reaching a settlement through plebiscites or a buffer state between Nejd and Transjordan; and efforts to conclude the conference with a six month truce
• Adjournment and subsequent recommencement of the conference
• Ibn Saud’s ill health and rumours of his death
• Question of HMG coercing Ibn Saud to make concessions and Knox’s suggestions for establishing treaty arrangements with the Saudis
• Termination of the conference without any agreement