File 705/1916 Pt 2 'Arab revolt: Arab reports; Sir M Sykes' reports' [‎27r] (51/450)

pilgrimage. Captain Bray will organise an intelligence system under the direction of
Colonel Wilson.
Colonel Parker is to be withdrawn from Rabegh, and, until the arrival of the
military mission, his work will be carried on by Major Joyce, R.A., who is commanding
the Egyptain army escort.
^ Turkish Operations.
The Arab Bureau telegraphed on the 23rd December [A.B. 473] that, according to
aeroplane reconnaissance, the Turks had evacuated Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Yen bo and are at present at
Bir Was .... [one group undecipherable], Bi Baid, Hamra, and Wasta.
ASIR.
1 . The Viceroy telegraphed on the 18th December that the Indian Government :—
(a.) Agreed that it was desirable to decorate Idrisi.
(b.) Thought a,K.C.I.E more suitable than a K.C.M.G.
2 . The Secretary of State telegraphed on the 18th December that he thought:—
(a.) Idrisi’s honour should be postponed because of the difficulty about the Sherif.
(b) He should show more activity against the common enemy before being
decorated, and this though he sympathised with him in regard to the
temporary loss of Comfida.
(c.) It seemed desirable that Colonel Jacob should meet him and endeavour to
rouse him.
(d.) Explanations were required as to why Elheij was claimed us his proper sphere,
as his district appeared to be south ot Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Ain ; but here again if Idrisi
were a more effective ally, it would be easier to consider his susceptibilities.
3 . The Resident at Aden telegraphed on the 18th December that he should like to
send Colonel Jacob to Jizan(en route to Jeddah), to see Idrisi; he thought the effect of
the interview should be good.
4 . The'Resident telegraphed on the 23rd December [299 A.P.] saying that
Lieutenant Nalder had arrived on the previous day from Jibut, where he had inter
viewed Idrisi. He reported that :—
(a.) Some important heads of the Hashid-wa-Bakil were at Jibut in conference with
Idrisi. _ _ _ .
(b.) Idrisi clearly had no inclination to assist us to establisn fnendiy lelations with
the Imam : his policy was to keep us apart.
(c.) He said that he would welcome a rapprochement with the Imam on certain
conditions—conditions the mere mention of which would widen the breach
between them 5 it was patent that he did not desire to befriend the Imam.
(d.) He declared his intention to act against Loheiya so soon as his gunners
rejoined him; they were being trained in Aden.
PART II.
POLITICAL EVENTS IN THE FIELDS OF OPERATIONS.
Aden.
1 . The Resident telegraphed [296 A.P.] on the 20 th December that news haA been
received from H.M.S. “Lunka” that the Shaykh of Birk had reported to Idrisi that
the Sherif’s men had burnt Comfida and retired.
2 . The G.O.C. telegraphed [920/14] on the 20 th December that the scouts of the
109th Infantry had had a skirmish with the Arabs.
3. The G.O.C. telegraphed on the 22nd December that it was indicated by reports
that all troops had been moved out of Lahej to either the Fiyush area or [ ? ]. On
the evening of the 21st December there was reciprocal sniping at Jabir and Imad : no
casualties.