File 1707/1924 ‘Arabia:- Jeddah Situation Reports. (1924-1930)’ [‎96v] (197/898)

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noteworlhj^incidents^on the^Koweit^bor er.^ ^ ^ ^ situation on ^ ^
frontier is reported from both sides of the Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan
frontier “her notes have been received from ^
Affairs complaining of the continuance of this state of affairs. Un e oilier band,
omtests are P received from the Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan authorities in respect of raids from
S Information has also been communicated by these authorities to show that
certain protests lodged by the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs m June are
wnhout foundatiom ^ tQ s for a settlement of the whole question.
The Heiaz Government, he stated in an interview with His Majesty s agent regards
His Majesty’s Government as fully competent to deal effectively and quickly with
the situation on the frontier. They cannot, therefore understand how it is that
raiding is allowed to continue from the Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan side. For their own part he
states they are keeping their frontier tribes m control, and raids into Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan
are ciVentlyTew and far between. He was assured that the matter wa S
engaging the urgent attention of His Majesty s Government.
9. His Maiesty’s Government have accepted, subject to minor conditions of
procedure, to act as arbitrator in regard to past raids if requested bv both Govern
ments to do so, and they have informed the Hejaz Government that they share their
anxiety to settle the question as soon as possible. . „ ^
10. Another note has been received from the Acting Minister for foreign
Affairs in regard to the interpretation of article 6 of the Bahra Agreement, liie
Heiaz Government, while maintaining its opinion that His Majesty s Government
are raising new issues, is nevertheless prepared on a basis of reciprocity to accept
what it regards as the two new conditions which His Majesty’s Government have
laid down in connexion with this article. They propose, however, by extension, to
apply them to the Hadda Agreement also.
11. Negotiations are still in progress for the supply to the Hejaz Government
of four aeroplanes and the relative equipment, accompanied by British personnel.
There has necessarily been some delay in making arrangements, but His Majesty s
Government are now prepared to meet the material requirements of the Hejaz
Government from stocks in Iraq. In the meanwhile, the Hejaz Government has
been informed that their proposals are receiving the sympathetic consideration oi
His Majesty’s Government, and that a definite reply to them will be sent as soon as
possible. His Majesty’s Government have also under consideration the possibility
of themselves bearing a substantial proportion of the initial cost.
12 . The financial situation of the Hejaz is becoming somewhat precarious.
The situation in Northern Hasa obliges the King to maintain a large force in that
neighbourhood, and its upkeep forms a constant drain on the Treasury. The local
financial representative of the Hejaz Government, as, I believe, the Minister oi
Finance at Mecca also, is hard put to it to respond to the demands made upon hmi
and the former has instructions to remit daily to Abdulla Suleiman in Mecca the
receipts of the various Government offices in Jeddah. Customs dues have been
collected in anticipation for months ahead. It is practically impossible to obtain
payment at present for goods which were commandeered at the time of the King s
departure for Biyadh, and the Government owes money all round. ,
13. No doubt with the object of raising the revenue, the duties have suddenly
been raised on the following imports: Tobacco, 40 piastres Miri per kilog. fool,
motor cars, 20 per cent, ad valorem to 35 per cent.; spare parts and accessories,
20 per cent, to 40 per cent.; benzine and lubricating oils, 17 per cent, to 50 per cent.,
woollen Persian carpets and rugs, 15 per cent, to 25 per cent.
14. It is stated that large stocks of tobacco were bought up by the Acting
Minister for Foreign Affairs before he promulgated the relative decree. On the other
hand, the Governor of the town, the chief importer of tobacco but no ^ r ^ eI1 ^ ?
Sheikh Fuad, was badly caught over a large consignment which was on its way at t e
time. The other members of the trio responsible for the new duties, Sheikh Abdu J
Suleiman and Sheikh Abdulla-el-Fadl, are similarly believed to have made handsome
profits by cornering benzine, lubricating oil and motor-car parts just before the nm
duties came into force. The first effect of the imnosition of the new duties will be