File 3498/1912 ‘Aden News Letters’ [‎150r] (310/598)

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18th Weekly Letter*
Dated Aden Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. , tlie 9tli May 1914.
From—The Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. , Aden,
To—L. Robertson, Esq., I.C.S., Secretary to the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. ,
Special Department.
Sultan Ali bin Ahmed bin Ali, the newly elected Abdali Sultan, is at pre-
* 403 in all sen t in Aden with a large following* of
relatives and tribesmen, on an official visit
to this Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. . This is his first visit and he is being hospitably treated. It
seems he is very popular with the tribesmen, and, so far as present indications go,
he appears to be quite loyal to Government and inclined to work harmoniously.
2. The Fadthli Sultan is also here on his way to Bagdad on a pilgrimage.
He reports that he has settled the long-standing claims of certain Yafais who had
suffered during the disorders mentioned in the Weekly Letters of the 30th August
and 6th September 1913 ; this settlement has been brought about after a long
correspondence between this office and the Sultan.
3. The Government Guest House is at present overflowing with the stream
of visitors constantly pouring into it. The Arab [is a professional beggar, but
it is difficult to refuse him admission, as he vents his rage on the first caravan that
he finds on the trade route to Aden. The Abdali’s large following, too, is
according to custom and Precedent and will entail a heavy demand on the grants
for Durbar A public or private audience held by a high-ranking British colonial representative (e.g. Viceroy, Governor-General, or member of the British royal family). Presents and : Entertainment, necessitating a supplementary allotment
before the close of the year.
4. Please see the Weekly Letter of the 4th ultimo. The Amir of Dthala
declines the mediation of the Abdali Sultan with regard to the Ahmedi country
which he claims to be his own. He has again been advised to submit his claims
for investigation by the Abdali and the latter has been asked to go carefully into
the matter.
5. Certain sections of the Jorabis (Subehis) have been giving trouble on the
trade routes, attacking and plundering wayfarers. The Abdali Sultan has pro
mised to give his attention to them.
6. The Assistant Resident, Perim, has received reports of the arrival at Mocha
of some French Engineers who are stated to be surveying for a railway to the
interior. It is possible the party is the same as that mentioned in paragraph 3 of
the Weekly Letter of the 28th March last.
7. Sir James Bell left for Mokalla on Thursday morning and is expected back
here on Monday.
[Dated Aden Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. , the 9th (received the 18th) May 1914.
Endorsed by the Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. , Aden.
Copy forwarded, with compliments, to the Deputy Secretary to the Govern
ment of India in the Foreign and Political Department, Simla.