File 756/1917 Pt 2-3 ‘ARAB BULLETIN Nos 66-114’ [‎286r] (580/834)

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During the recent operations he has done his best in the
face of great difficulties, and has on the whole been sane and
reasonable. Being naturally shrewd and somewhat of an
adventurer, and having so long a sea-board, he will probably
make every effort to arrive at a permanent rapprochement with
Great Britain.
In character he is variable. Sometimes he has shown con
siderable strength, as when he enforced the modification of a
particularly barbarous form of circumcision practised in Asir.
On other occasions he has appeared in a different light; he rejected
Dr. Fadl ed-Din’s proposal to start a hospital at Midi or Jizan
on the ground that he would not dare let his people see sixty to
one hundred wounded ; and preferred to put them in a makeshift
at el-Fasht instead.
(rf) The Surrender of the Turkish Garrisons.
The problem with regard to the surrender of the Turkish
garrisons in the Idrisi’s area is two-fold : first, to provide for
their safety ; and, secondly, to avoid offending the susceptibilities
of the Idrisi.
The garrisons involved, as being nearer to Captain Kettlewell,
commanding Espiegle than to any other allied commander, are
those in the Zohra-Abs district, Saada, Ebha and Muhail.
Captain Clayton had apparently received no instructions as
to Muhail at the time of his last report. But action had already
been taken with regard to the rest.
An official request for surrender was addressed to each by
Captain Kettlewell; and Idrisi was asked to add a letter guaran
teeing their safety while passing through his territory. With
regard to the Zohra-Abs front and Saada he readily agreed, being
amused in connection with the latter at the thought of the Imam’s
discomfiture on losing his Turkish supporters. But he was
unwilling to do the same in connection with Ebha, on the ground
that it was a bone of contention between King Husein and himself,
and that the former might view such action as intrigue; finally,
however, he added two lines as a postscript to Captain Kettlewell s
letter.
Captain Clayton suggested that, since time was no object as
compared with safety, the Turkish garrisons should concentrate
where possible and march armed to the coast protected by Idrisi’s
tribesmen. The Idrisi again agreed, and his desire to stand on
good terms with Great Britain should ensure his protecting the
garrisons provided that a satisfactory arrangement can be arrived
at with regard to the disposal of their arms and war material.
Captain Clayton points out that the Zohra-Abs front presents
few difficulties. The surrender of all the Turks there can pro
bably be carried out in a few days. Saada is more difficult as
being further away ; but the Turks have not much material
there, and the Imam can step in and take possession without
dispute.