Percy Cox facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Major General Sir Percy Zachariah Cox GCMG GCIE KCSI KBE DL
Sir Percy Cox
Nickname(s)	Coccus Kokus (Kokkus)
Born	(1864-11-20)20 November 1864 Harwood Hall, Herongate, Essex, England
Died	20 February 1937(1937-02-20) (aged 72) Melchbourne, Bedfordshire, England
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army  British Indian Army
Years of service	1884–1923
Rank	Major-General
Awards	Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire

Major-General Sir Percy Zachariah Cox (born November 20, 1864 – died February 20, 1937) was a British Army officer and government official. He worked in the Middle East and played a big role in shaping the modern map of that region. He was known for his calm and patient way of dealing with people.

Early Life and Military Career

Percy Cox was born in Harwood Hall, Essex, England. He was one of seven children. His father was a cricketer named Arthur Zachariah Cox. Percy went to Harrow School, where he became interested in nature, geography, and travel.

In 1884, since he wasn't the oldest son and wouldn't inherit much, Percy joined the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He became a Lieutenant in the Cameronians regiment and went to India. In 1889, he joined the Bengal Staff Corps because he was a great planner. That same year, he married Louisa Belle.

Working in Somaliland and Muscat (1893–1903)

After working in India, Cox was sent to British Somaliland, which was controlled by India at the time. He worked as an Assistant Political Resident in Zeila and later in Berbera. In 1895, he became a Captain.

In May 1895, he led a small group of soldiers against the Rer Hared clan. This group was blocking trade routes. Even with a small, mostly untrained force, he defeated them in six weeks. Later that year, he became an assistant to the Viceroy of India's agent.

In 1899, Cox was appointed Political Agent and consul in Muscat, Oman. This was a difficult situation because the British, French, and local Arabs all wanted influence there. The French had a place for their navy ships to get coal. They also supported the local slave trade, which the British wanted to stop.

Cox managed to end French influence in the area. He made agreements with the local ruler, Sultan Feisal. By 1903, the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, noted that Cox practically ran Muscat. Cox was promoted to Major in 1902.

British Official in the Persian Gulf (1904–1919)

In 1904, Major Cox became the first British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf. He also served as Consul-General for several areas in Persia (now Iran). He lived in Bushehr. He became good friends with Captain William Shakespear, who was his deputy. They often shared their ideas about policy in the Middle East.

Cox believed that keeping peace was most important. He wanted good relations with the Ottoman Empire, which had strong ties with local tribes. He also encouraged India to change its policy towards Ibn Saud, who later became the king of Saudi Arabia.

One of Cox's allies was Shaikh Mubarak of Kuwait. Cox was very careful when writing to local leaders, using fluent Arabic. British forces were called to Bushehr in 1909 and Shiraz in 1911. Cox promised Sheikh Khazal of Muhammarah that troops would protect him if the Turks threatened to invade. Sheikh Khazal then leased a waterway to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company for oil refineries.

In 1910, Cox was promoted to Lieutenant-colonel. He helped trade grow in the Persian Gulf and stopped the illegal arms trade. In 1911, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE). Oil fields were found near Abadan in 1908. In 1909, Sheikh Khazal agreed to lease the island of Abadan after secret talks with Cox.

Cox stayed as Resident until 1914. He helped establish Kuwait as a self-governing area within the Ottoman Empire. He also improved relations with the local ruler, Mubarak, by talking with Ibn Saud.

In 1913, Cox met with Turkish officials to discuss naval patrols in the Persian Gulf. He noticed their difficult attitude and warned about the growing power of Ibn Saud. Captain Shakespear had secretly met with Ibn Saud, who strongly disliked the Turks.

When World War I started in August 1914, Sir Percy was sent back to the Persian Gulf. His goal was to prevent Turkey from joining Germany in the war. However, Turkey declared war in October 1914.

Ibn Saud's enemy, Ibn Rashid, was on the Turkish side. Cox sent his deputy to protect Ibn Saud. Sadly, Captain Shakespear was killed in battle in January 1914. Sir Percy then quickly made a treaty with Ibn Saud to form a larger Arab alliance. By April 1915, Cox was in Basrah. He helped arrange a treaty between Ibn Saud and Ibn Rashid to remove the Ottomans from the Arabian Peninsula. They signed the Treaty of Darin in December 1915.

Challenges in Mesopotamia

Cox was a very important civil servant for the Government of India. He was sent to the Gulf as Chief Political Officer. He was concerned about the military's plan to capture Baghdad.

In December 1914, British forces captured Qurna from the Turks. Sir Percy and Brigadier Fry formally took control.

During 1915, Cox worked with Major-general Charles Townshend's forces. Cox was key in managing the British relationship with Mesopotamia (now Iraq) during the war. By December 1915, Townshend's division was defeated and surrounded in Kut al-Amara. Cox left with a cavalry group.

General Townshend blamed Cox for not evacuating civilians in time. However, Cox believed it was too cold to move them. Arnold Wilson supported Cox, saying a general shouldn't decide what protection civilians needed.

Influence in Iraq

Cox first traveled in the Middle East when he was 25. In 1915, he was sent to negotiate for the British army. He was cautious about trusting the Arabs.

The British appointed Sayyid Talib as governor of Basra province. He was unpopular with local people. Cox ordered Talib and another leader, Nuri, to be arrested and sent to prison in India. Cox, a diplomat, disagreed with the army's plans to invade further into the country, knowing it would be dangerous.

Cox quickly saw the importance of an alliance with Ibn Saud. As a senior official, Cox received secret reports on Ottoman troop movements. He was known for being "stoic, patient and tolerant."

In January 1915, he learned that the Banu Lam and Bani Turuf tribes were preparing for war in Persia. Cox was confident that Qurna would hold against attack. It was vital to protect the oil pipelines. Cox was highly respected as a quick, efficient, and honest soldier-diplomat. He genuinely cared about the local people and was a good listener. He spoke Arabic and Turkish well. He was also a close friend and admired by Gertrude Bell.

By 1914, Cox supported Arab nationalism. He worked closely with Gertrude Bell and T.E. Lawrence. In April 1916, Kitchener offered money to the people of Kut. Cox was disgusted and left. Gertrude Bell reported staying with Sir Percy and Lady Cox in March 1916.

Capture of Baghdad

Cox's main goal was to stop Ibn Saud from joining the Turkish side in the war. He met the Arab Sheikh at Al-Ahsa Oasis and signed a treaty, promising a monthly payment. Cox knew that Sir Mark Sykes supported Sharif Husein, another leader who wanted control of the desert kingdoms.

The situation was delicate as General Maude took Baghdad in March 1917, and Allenby took Jerusalem in December. Cox was promoted to Honorary Major-General in May 1917. During this time, he built strong relationships with Ibn Saud, who gave him the nickname "Kokus."

For the next year, Cox was very important to the government of Baghdad. He lived in a large house and entertained important Sheikhs. In September 1918, he visited Tehran for the first time. After negotiations, Cox became Britain's first ambassador in Tehran in November 1918. After the war, Cox was appointed Acting Minister in Tehran and negotiated the Anglo-Persian Agreement. He then went to the Versailles Peace Conference in 1919.

High Commissioner of Iraq (1920)

After the Iraqi Revolt of 1920, British officials decided it would be better to create an Iraqi government with less obvious British control. Sir Percy Cox became the first High Commissioner in Baghdad under the British Mandate.

Cox wrote about the challenges of this new policy. He had to quickly change the administration from British to Arab and reduce the number of British and Indian staff.

As High Commissioner, Cox worked with former Ottoman officials and local leaders. He helped create a mostly Arab provisional government, called the "Council of State." This council was meant to guide the new country after the revolt. Cox chose Abd Al-Rahman Al-Gillani, a religious leader, as president. The council members were chosen from local elites who Cox believed would support British goals. This temporary government worked well, allowing Cox to attend the Cairo Conference in 1921.

The 1921 Cairo Conference and King Faisal

At the 1921 Cairo Conference, Cox focused on two main things: reducing British spending in Iraq and choosing a ruler for the country. To save money, Cox suggested a plan to cut costs and withdraw troops.

For the ruler of Iraq, Cox thought one of the sons of the Sharif of Mecca would be best. The British had a special relationship with the Sharif during the war. At the conference, the Sharif's son, Faisal, was chosen. Cox believed Faisal's military experience and political skills made him the most qualified to lead Iraq.

Cox later wrote that choosing Faisal was the "easiest" decision. Local candidates would have divided support, but Faisal, with his experience and respected family name, would have "general support." After arranging a kind of election, Cox proclaimed Faisal as King of Iraq on August 23, 1921, in Baghdad.

For the rest of his time as High Commissioner, Cox continued to greatly influence the Iraqi government. He advised King Faisal and put pressure on him when needed. In 1922, King Faisal's court celebrated the royal birthday at Cox's home in Baghdad.

Final Term as High Commissioner (1920–1923)

King Faisal's election was confirmed in July 1921. British officials were removed from direct power. In August 1922, King Faisal became ill and couldn't rule for several weeks. During this time, there was a debate about how much control Britain should have over Iraq.

In a bold move, Cox took control and started direct British rule. He became acting King of Iraq. He jailed people who opposed foreign involvement, silenced opposition groups, and even ordered bombings against tribal rebels.

Some historians say Cox's actions showed British power. Others say his actions were "severe and unpopular." King Faisal himself reportedly disliked Cox's actions. However, Cox said his actions were necessary for stability and that Faisal thanked him later. Whatever the truth, Cox's actions kept the British in control. Faisal resumed his rule in September after signing a twenty-year treaty.

Acting British Minister in Tehran

Cox was the acting British Minister in Tehran when the Anglo-Iranian Agreement was made in August 1919. Iran wanted three main things: territory, trade, and tariff agreements. Iran wanted to follow principles of self-determination, meaning they wanted to decide their own future.

The British Empire offered loans, financial and military help, and help with building things like ports and railways. By late 1919, the situation was difficult. The British Foreign Secretary, Lord Curzon, warned Russia to stay out of Iran. In October 1919, a special mission warned Russian forces away from Baku. The next month, Cox asked for British troops to defend the province of Khorasan.

Cox's relationship with the Persians was complicated. Iran was seen as a barrier against Russian and Turkish threats. But it was far from both India and London. Lord Curzon wrote to Cox in May 1920 that little military help could be sent.

Britain tried to get promises from the Soviets that they would respect British trade and military interests in the region. Curzon did not trust Soviet Russia and didn't want to negotiate with them. He didn't tell Cox that the Iranians would negotiate a separate treaty. The Persians were worried about their future. Curzon tried to reassure Cox that things would work out.

The new Prime Minister of Iran had to continue the previous leader's plan to finalize the Anglo-Persian Oil Agreement. But the British faced a problem: how could their Parliament approve an agreement when Russian invaders occupied the territory? The Iranians agreed to ask for British troops to leave by December 1920 to please Moscow.

Establishing the State of Iraq

The rest of Cox's time as High Commissioner was spent negotiating the Anglo-Iraqi Treaty in 1921 and 1922. This treaty created "the infant State of Iraq." King Faisal wanted Iraq to be truly independent, not just a British mandate. Britain wanted to keep its interests in Iraq while appearing not to control the government.

To do this, Cox negotiated the Anglo-Iraqi Treaty. This treaty included many of the original terms of the Mandate system but avoided the word "mandate." It also promised British protection for Faisal against rivals like Ibn Saud. This treaty was signed on October 10, 1922.

Soon after, Cox used his good relationship with Ibn Saud to set the borders between Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait. This made sure Britain wouldn't have to defend Iraq from the Saudis. He was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG).

Gertrude Bell, the famous adventurer, wrote about Cox's diplomacy: "Ibn Saud is convinced that the future of himself and his country depends on our goodwill... the treaty is on exactly the lines that Sir Percy stipulated." This was Cox's last major act as High Commissioner. He retired on May 4, 1923, and was replaced by Sir Henry Dobbs.

Cox then worked on negotiations with Turkey about the border with northern Iraq. There was a lot of tension. He also worked on a convention to control illegal arms shipments in 1925. Oxford University gave him an honorary doctorate in 1925, and Manchester University gave him another in 1929.

Friendship with Gertrude Bell

Gertrude Bell

Throughout his time in Iraq, Cox worked closely with his colleague Gertrude Bell. They greatly admired and respected each other. Bell described Cox as having a "fine and simple dignity." She praised his "kindness and consideration" and said he was "a master hand at the game of politics." She noted how much respect he had from the people of Iraq. She even said, "It's really amazing that anyone should exercise influence such as his... I don't think that any European in history has made a deeper impression on the Oriental mind."

Cox also spoke highly of Bell, calling her "indefatigable assistance." He said that Gertrude had his full trust and gave him her devoted cooperation.

Family Life

Lady Cox (Louisa Belle Cox) was honored in 1923.

The couple had only one son, Derek, who was killed in action in 1917. Their only daughter died at birth. However, their son had a son, giving them one grandson.

Retirement and Death

After leaving Baghdad, Cox did not hold any other official positions for the British government. He served as a delegate to several conferences. He spent much of his later life involved with the Royal Geographical Society, serving as its president from 1933 to 1936.

Sir Percy Cox died suddenly in 1937 while fox hunting in Melchbourne, Bedfordshire. He felt ill, got off his horse, and collapsed. When he was found, he had already passed away. The cause of death was recorded as heart failure.

See also

• Iraqi revolt against the British
• British Mandate of Mesopotamia
• Faisal I of Iraq
• Anglo-Iraqi Treaty