Coll 6/21(1) 'Hejaz-Nejd: Relations with H.M.G.: Hejaz Legation in London and British Minister in Jeddah.' [‎335r] (680/914)

THIS DOCofeBICT IB THE FBOFEKTI ..-0F--H1& MAJESTY'S GOYEENMEKT
EASTERN (Arabia).
CONFIDENTIAL.
Q
r,
v-
^... j
June 10, 1930.
Section 1.
'E 3039/334/91]
No. 1.
Sir A. Ryan to Mr. A. Henderson.—(Received June 10.)
(No. 114.)
Sir, Jedda, May 18, 1930.
WITH reference to my telegram No. 58 of the 17th instant, I have the honour
to state that King Ibn Saud came from Mecca to Jedda on the morning of that day
and received me in the forenoon for the purpose of my presenting my credentials.
The ceremonial was carried out in accordance with the rules forwarded in Mr. Bond’s
despatch No. 332 of the 28th December last. The duties of Master of Ceremonies
were performed by Hamdi Bey, the Officer Commanding the garrison in Jedda, who
conducted me from my residence to what has been dubbed the £ ‘ Green Palace.’ ’ This
is a modern house of some pretension built by the Director of Customs, a gentleman
of poor origin, who, by assiduous application to the duties of his office, has, in recent
years, acquired considerable wealth. It is possible that he has already carried out a
rumoured intention of presenting the house to the King, who has, hitherto, made
use of the barracks, or of the houses of certain resident notables, when he has visited
Jedda.
2. My staff and I with Hamdi Bey were conveyed to the “Green Palace’’ in two
very moderate cars driven by still more moderate chauffeurs and not otherwise
attended. As we were about to start, one of the telephone posts opposite my front
door swayed towards me and gently deposited its load of wires in the fairway. This
was the only untoward incident. Military honours were rendered at the Palace, but
naturally without any playing of the National Anthem, which might be considered
appropriate in an oriental setting, were music not abhorrent to Wahabite piinciples.
The arrangements generally were simple but sufficiently dignified. I was received
by Sheikh Fuad Hamza and other officials including Hafiz Waffiba, the Minister
Designate in London. After a short interval, I was conducted with Mr. Bond and
the Legation interpreter into the audience chamber, where the King m solitary
state awaited us and his own officers. After he had shaken hands with me
delivered the speech which I had prepared and handed to His Majesty my letter of
eredence When my interpreter had read an Arabic version, the King s reply was
read by his secretary, Yussef Yasin, and then in a very good English translation by
Sheikh Fuad Hamza. I next formally presented my staff consisting of Mr Bond
(whom I said, it was hardly necessary to introduce as he ^ a ^ /r be ®r i r .® x ® rcis ^ & ^
functions of agent and consul and, later, Charge d’Affaires), Mr. Wikeley, Minis i
Ihsanullah, the British Indian vice-consul, and the interpreter
3 I had been told that the King would not dismiss me at the end of the formal
part of tL audience, as it was Ms custom to detain the Uve -d wat^ or
the latter to seek permission to leave. Following this practice His Majesty mvitea
us all to be seated and had coffee and lemonade served 'Y^XTthe Kfngihtafth
ordinary oriental ago He e/pressed pfeasure on
making special ref e ! e found His Majesty when I kissed hands. He emphasised
hearing how well I had found His iViajesryw j lied that I had had
his desire for good ^fYntiSen^of the same kind in all circles at home, when I
evidence of a reciprocal sentim ent o m h of comp liments I retired, my
was preparing to come to Jedda. .yYickwards and bowing in accordance with
remained alone while Ms officers than I had expected in high-flown
4. King Ibn baud mauigeu ia 00 rdial He was perhaps a little
phrases bY^WratehisYTcewas somewhat'hoarse, owing, it is said, to the number
fatigued. At any rate Ms voice g which he has recently had occasion to
and length of,the etatel^and unp = e m tolocee |»e
pronounce at Mecca. His
of the usual Arabian ^ her was a r oom of moderate size, well-carpeted,
tot olheiwffie furMsfed M a debased French style. The most conspicuous object was
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