File 600/1905 Pt 4 'Aden Hinterland: Proposed Treaties with the Sultans of Beda and Audali; Treaty with Beda held in abeyance' [‎245v] (122/158)

6
Government vessel on the 15th February corresponding with the 21st A1 Hijja
1323 next; you are welcome. We are exceedingly glad for your calling at our^
country, and your visit will produce much pleasure and relief to our mind.
The enclosed letter to Sultan Ali bin Ahmed, the Rasasi, was also received
and we immediately despatched it with a special messenger, together with a
letter from us giving him advices in every way. We hope that they will come
as you wrote us. If God pleases we are doing our best endeavour and advised
them.
We are desirous to do a favour to the Great Government. We had
previously written them but we have as yet received no reply. We directed
the nessenger to take the letters and deliver them personally to Sultan Ali bin
Ahmed and to at once obtain a reply. We hope that they will comply with
our advice and the request of Government according to the mentioned time.
God willing, on their arrival, we will advise them to sign the treaty and
enter into friendship and alliance.
You state that you will remain at Shugra for two days ; you are welcome
for two days or more.
As to Sultan Ali bin Ahmed we have written to him to come soon, and if
he fails he may send his son with his seal as well as Sultan Alawi bin Husen
and the leading men of the Hamakani and Azzani who may accompany him
or his son.
Dated the 4th A1 Hijja 1323 (29th January 1906).
From—S ultan Sir Ahmed Fadthl, the Abdali,
To— Major-General H. M. Mason, 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.
After compliments. —W T e inform your honour that we have heard from a
reliable source that letters have been received by Sultan Ali bin Ahmed, the
Rasasi, and the Audali Sultan from the Turks asking them to go to Sanaa.
We have despatched a trustworthy man to go, and if possible fetcii the letter
from the Audali so that we may know its contents.
Oh friend, we do not appreciate that these two tribes should go under the
Turks, because the Audali is lying between the Fadthli and Aulaki and the
Rasasi is in the neighbourhood of Yafa’. He possesses an extensive territory
which would be large piece added to Yemen.
If some arrangement could he made to stop the Turks from these places
in a diplomatic manner, it will be touch better. There is no harm if these
places will then be left aside by you for a long time, but our wish is that the
Turks should be restrained from taking them.
Your judgment is right.
May you be preserved.
Telegram No. 811-E.B., dated the 20th February 1906.
F rom —The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department,
Calcutta,
To—The Hon’ble Mr. J. J. Heaton, Acting Chief Secretary to the Government
of Bombay, Political Department, Bombay.
Your telegram of 12th and letter of 13th February. Beda Treaty.
Government of India concur that it is most desirable to secure treaty with
Beda and are willing to sanction allowance for Chiefs up to 150 dollars a
month. Treaty should, as with Dthala, contain, if possible, condition requiring
Chiefs to be responsible for any boundary pillars erected, and for salety of
British parties which may have occasion to visit territories of Chiefs.
Increase of Fadthli Sultan’s stipend might be determined later on when
terms of treaty with him can he fully discussed.
G. I. C. P. 0.—»o. 4644 J. D.—2G-MI06.-64—W. G. B.