§ 27. Captain EDENasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any further information as to raids by Wahabi tribesmen into the territory of Iraq?
§ Mr. AMERYI have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Hull, Central (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on the 8th of March. I should like to take the opportunity to correct a statement that has appeared in the Press to the effect that troops have been sent from India to Koweit in connection with the difficulties with the Akhwan. There is not a word of truth in the statement. I would add that I have no official confirmation of the report that King Ibn Saud has declared a "Holy War" or has identified himself in any way with such a movement.
§ Captain EDENHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the sensational reports which have appeared in some newspapers? May we regard them as unduly alarmist?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHas the right hon. Gentleman any means of contact with Ibn Saud, or any means of communication with him, directly?
§ Mr. AMERYYes, Sir. We communicate either through the British agent at Jeddah or the British political resident in the Persian Gulf, or through Ibn Saud's agent in Cairo; but the communication is not always very rapid.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider sending a representative to the Court of Ibn Saud?
§ Mr. AMERYThere is a question on that point, and in the answer I make it clear that we have considered the question.