File 3300/1916 Pt 2 'Aden News Letters:- (Jan. 1917-Dec. 1917)' [‎112r] (223/620)

From— Major-General J. M. Stewart, C.B., 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. at Aden,
To His Excellency General Sir Reginald Wingate, G.C.B., G.C.V.O., K.C.M.G.,
D.S.O., His Britannic Majesty’s High Commissioi*er, Cairo.
There has naturally been some considerable talk during the last few days
about the Italian situation. Generally speaking there is little sympathy felt for
the Italians, particularly amongst the Arabs.
In the Fadli districts the people are in a very unsettled condition The old
Hilton Hussain bin Ahmed is past work though still a power m the land. Abdul
Kadir Ms grandson, has little power outside Ihukra though the Sultan expresses
a desire that he should rule. But as the Sultan takes the whole revenue Abdul
Kadir’s position is difficult. The Abyan tribes are pro-Turks and are urging
Air Saeed Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. to send another party down to Ba Shahaia. Reports of the
possible move of such a party have been received from various sources. Abdul
Kadir has as yet sent in no report. He has, however, written a penitent letter in
connection with his last scar and probably in future will only submit well founded
reports.
It seems that the situation created by the murder of Abu Has has by no
mp'ins cleared up. The Imam apparently did intervene ■ and made certain
promises to the tribes, i.e., to pay a “ diya ” of $13,000and to have the three
people the tribes held responsible for the murder,- sent to Sanaa. In consequence
of these promises the tribes returned home. But the Imam redeemed neither
promise and consequently the Zaidies are said to be again on the move. To
counteract this move the Imam has ordered All Saeed Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. to send Husm Bey,
Ehas Bey and Muhammad Nasir Mukbil of Mavia to Sanaa for trial. From several
sources we have heard that Husni Bey and Elias Bey have been sent, but that
Muhammad Nasir declined to go. The latest report about the latter is that 150
of the Imam’s soldiers came to Mavia and carried him off to Sanaa.
' Th ese events are favourable to our plans. If Muhammad Nasir Mukbd is kept
a wav from Mavia for a bit it is likely there will be a decline of Turkish influence in
that^ neighbourhood. We shall probably get defimte news of some movement
soon.
A report received to-day (9th November) again refers to this movement of
the tribes and adds that it is not improbable that the Imam’s own son may
participate in it This is the eldest son Muhammad whom we have heard of before
as discontented with the Imam’s miserly ways and who has once approached the
Idrisi with a view to getting him to assist in deposing his father.
The Sultan of Mokalla has reached his home and has already sent down
25 more men to be trained as gunndrs. The ? uns have been received and will be
retained here until his men are trained. He informed us m Aden that he meant
f ;!o snldicrs from am'ong the Yafais who are related to Mm. Since Ms
departure°Ihave receded lettfrs relating to this proposal The Nakibs of Mausata
report that the Fadli Sultan has addressed them forbidding them to supp y any
report tn ^ 1f f Mokalla. They forward the Sultan’s original letter in
wKe cokeys the order by commanl of Ali Saeed Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. . The lultan refuses
to allow any men to proceed via Shukra. It remains to be seen whether he can
carry out his threat.
In the last few days we have had a good many letters about the doings of
o A Miihammad Darweish of Riyashia. This man received very considerable
assistance from us in June 1916. He f ellmto the hands of ““ Adem
ZZs ^VenS^anSt outThl time we heard of him in the