Coll 6/9 'Jeddah Reports Jany 1931–' [‎11r] (22/802)

He hoped that the endeavours made to uphold Arab unity would prove successful
notwithstanding the long and difficult path leading to that end.
450. The Saut-'id-Hejaz gives what is perhaps another version of the speech
published in the Office Arabs. It says that the speech was given by the Sheikh
Yusuf Yasin at Damascus at a banquet given in his honour by the ‘ ‘ Society of
National Affairs.” Arab unity, said Sheikh Yusuf Yasin, is the goal. Every
Arab is thinking of it. The way is long, difficulties seem insurmountable. The
crusades 700 years ago did not crush the Arabs. The Arab nation had not been
annihilated; the Qur’an still existed, and the Arab language. He did not come
to negotiate as with a foreign Power. The Government of Syria and the Saudis
were brothers. Their interests were the same and they must therefore work
together towards the common goal.
451. Further darkness was shed on Sheik Yusuf Yasin's activities in
Damascus by the Saudi Minister in London on the 27th October. The Minister
started by referring to a previous conversation about the agreement reached with
Syria, concerning the Hejaz Railway. He afterwards telephoned to say that
there had been a misunderstanding and no definite agreement had been reached
between Sheikh Yusuf Yasin and the Syrians. He subsequently explained in
writing that Sheikh Yusuf Yasin, while in Syria on holiday, was informed by the
Syrian Government that they were prepared, if the Saudi Arabian Government
agreed, to issue a declaration to the effect that both Governments had already
agreed to negotiate with the French and British Governments for the repair
of the railway. King Ibn Saud, however, had abstained from agreeing to this
agreement to agree before finding out what the British Government thought of
the matter. The following points seem to emerge : (1) Sheikh Yusuf Yasin
probably negotiated nothing definite in Syria, and (2) the King has been very
cautious in dealing with whatever agreement he tried to negotiate.
452. Many rumours about arms and about new developments on the northern
frontiers of this country have been reaching Amman lately. On the 8th November
it was reported that the King intended to visit Tebuk shortly and drive along the
frontier. No confirmation was forthcoming at Jedda; it appeared improbable
that the King would make such a journey of inspection during Ramadan, and in
fact the journey was not made. At this distance it seems likely that the following
elements enter into the Saudi activity on the frontier :—
(1) Continuance of the policy of pushing forward in order to find out where
we think the frontier is.
(2) Increase in the number of machine guns, out of consignments known to
reached Saudi Arabia recently.
(3) Slow increase in the number of “regular” troops on the Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan
frontier as elsewhere in Saudi Arabia.
(4) Greater truculence of Saudi posts, due partly to the Palestine question
and partly to the discovery that the Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan authorities have not
challenged their occupation of certain points, e.g., Tutun.
453. The Saudi Arabian Government were informed, in reply to their
remonstrance (paragraph 350), that the Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan frontier post in question
had been withdrawn. The post was at Sharia, not, as stated in paragraph 350, at
Tutun, which is admitted to be in Saudi Arabia. Sharia is apparently quite
close to the frontier. The Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan authorities believe it to be on their side,
but do not wish to enter into an argument on the point at the present time.
454. The Mecca press has been restrained on the subject of Palstine. The
reports perhaps pay more attention to attacks on Arabs than to attacks on Jews,
but it is not more biased in that direction than the English press is the other way.
One article stated that the Secretary of State for the Colonies was mistaken in
believing that there was any “ moderate ’’ Arab elements in Palestine, if by that
he meant Arabs in favour of partition.
III.— Relations with Powers outside A rabia.
455. Four Arab horses (two stallions and two mares) have been despatched
to England as a present from the Amir Saud to His Majesty King Geroge VI,
as the result, it is understood, of a conversation between His Majesty and the
Amir Saud at Ascot. At the same time, and at very short notice, three milch
camels and a male camel were sent to Jedda for despatch as a present to the
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