ARABIAN TREATY

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 81, 29 December 1934, Page 11

ARABIAN TREATY

Desert Rulers Seek to Control Brigands Regulations concerning raiding, return of loot, mutual collection of “blood money” and other exigencies arising out of life in the desert show prominently hi the text of the Treaty of Friendship and Von Voisinage between Transjordan and Saudi Arabia, received here recently, states the Jerusalem correspondent of the “Christian Science Monitor.” The 14 articles of the treaty make provisions for co-operation between frontier officials with a view to preventing disturbances of the peace and preserving friendly relations between the two countries.

Abdullah, the Emir of Transjordan, and Ibn Saud, King of Saudi Arabia, each undertakes to endeavour by every means in his power to prevent the use of his territory as a base for unlawful acts or preparations therefor, including raiding, which may be directed against the peace, and tranquillity of the other party.

Each is z to appoint special officials in the zones in the neighbourhood .of the frontier for the organisation of general co-operation. These officials have the right to communicate with each other for this purpose and for the settlement of questions arising on the frontier or between tribes. The officials of each country are obliged to warn those of the other of preparations being made in their territory for robbery, plunder or raiding, or any other unlawful act which might disturb the peace of the frontier. The necessary steps are to be taken for the immediate restoration of all stolen, and plundered objects seized in the possession of the aggressors. The schedule of the treaty sets out a form of certificate for the return of loot. Provision is made for confiscating the arms and property of Beduin to make good losses and damage caused by their raids.

In fixing penalties for the taking of life, the treaty lays down a compensation of ‘TO she-camels” for each life taken.

One article in the treaty provides for free movement from place to place In the two countries of tribes who habitually frequent both sides of the frontier for ■'purposes of grazing. Another urticleNpakes it unlawful for either of the signatories to compel subjects of the other to enlist in any of his armed forces, whether regular or irregular. Both parties undertake to prevent their officials —frontier officials excepted —from crossing into the territory of the other without permission. They also are to refrain from authorising foreigners resident in their countries to cross the frontier for the purpose of travel, exploration, hunting, or any other purpose,- without having obtained permission from a competent authority of the party concerned. Differences arising out of the provisions of the treaty are to be settled by reference to arbitration, to be conducted by two arbitrators, of whom each party shall select one. under the presidency of a third person appointed by agreement between the two parties within two months of the date of the decision to refer the matter to arbitration. Both parties definitely undertake to accept as binding and to give effect to the ’ceisions of the arbitrators.

The treaty is for a period of five years and may be terminated on six months’ notice by either party thereafter.