"تقرير استخباراتي للجزيرة العربية" [و‎‎١‎١] (٥٢/٢١)

It is also proposed to purchase two aircraft for training and three other aircraft, to be
called " MECCA," " JEDDA " and " RIYADH.." Subscription lists have been opened
in certain towns for this purpose, but are not meeting with a very rapid response.
In addition to their gift of aircraft, the Italian Government have also presented the
Saudi Government with a steel hangar which is said to be able to contain 20 aeroplanes. The
hangar was sent out from ITALY in sections and erected by Italian personnel.
The " Air Force " personnel consists of three Russians, eight Saudi-Arabian pilots trained
in ITALY and a few Italians. The latter are paid by the Italian Government and are
responsible for the aircraft presented by ITALY. They work on a system of six-monthly
reliefs from ITALY. It is reported that the efficiency of the Saudi-Arabian pilots is low and
that, since returning from their period of training in ITALY, they are dissatisfied with their
low pay and general treatment and consider that they are regarded merely as chauffeurs.
It is reported that a further 15 Saudi-Arabians are to be trained as pilots in their own country
and that the experiment of sending them to ITALY for training will not be continued.
The Air Force base has been located at TAIF since 1935.
(C43043)
b**2