مجموعة ٦/ ٩ "تقارير جدة يناير ١٩٣١ -" [ظ‎‎٢‎١‎٠] (٨٠٢/٤٢١)

170. Ibn Saud displayed considerable feeling over the question of Bahrein
transit dues, an attempt, as he conceived it, to boycott the development of Ras
Tanura and other Saudi ports in the Persian Gulf. Sir Andrew Ryan essayed
to mollify the King, and undertook to discuss the question upon his arrival in
London.
171. Whilst at Taif Sir Andrew Ryan received from Ibn Saud a special
message of thanks for the helpful attitude of the commanding officers of the Red
Sea Sloops of the Royal navy present at Hodeida during the recent troubles. A
suitable reply was returned and the message duly conveyed to the officers
concerned.
172. Indeed, not only were the relations between the British sloops and
such Saudi personages as Amir Feisal and Sheikh Abdullah Suleiman excellent,
but so, too, were those established with Abdullah-al-Wazir before H.M.S. Hastings
finally left Hodeida on the 7th.
173. The final departure of British, French and Italian sloops has been
noted in an earlier paragraph. The Italians were less fortunate in their relations
with both Saudi and Yemeni authorities, taking a toss over the flag question,
over which they had to yield with as good a grace as they could muster and cease
to fly their flag ashore; and departing from Hodeida with a snub and sardonic
enquiry from Abdullah-al-Wazir whether the Italian doctors Tazzi and
Jemecelli were taking so favourable an opportunity as the departure of the sloop
afforded to leave Hodeida too.
174. An Abyssinian mission, headed by a Mr. David Hall, arrived here
from Addis Ababa via the Yemen on the 1st July and after a short visit to Taif,
where they were entertained by the King, they left for Abyssinia on the 15th.
They were the bearers of a letter from the Emperor to Ibn Saud. in which the
former expressed his sorrow at the outbreak of war with the Yemen and his hopes
for its speedy conclusion. It is believed a similar letter was conveyed to the
Imam by this mission. Ibn Saud suitably replied and the royal correspondence
was duly published in the local press. It is stated that the mission was also
charged with proposals regarding a commercial agreement between the two
countries.
175. The Russian dentist here, named Morsen, is stated to have accom
panied Sheikh Abdullah Suleiman to Hodeida, but in what capacity is not
apparent. He returned with the Minister of Finance on the 10th July and is
now back at work again in the Soviet Legation.
176. The Diplomatic Body continued to waste away. M. Persico went on
two months’ leave to Europe on the 8th July, and the French Algerian vice-
consul and a junior member in the Persian Legation, temporarily in charge, went
later in the month. The latter was replaced by a youth named (?) Salah-ed-Din
Falah.
IV.— Miscellaneous.
177. Sir Andrew and Lady Ryan left for the United Kingdom on leave
on the 13th July. They were accompanied as far as Port Sudan by Mr. B. W.
Seager, who has now left Jedda, after serving here for some eight years, on
transfer to Aden.
178. Mr. G. W. Furlonge sailed from Jedda for Europe on leave pending
transfer, after three years at this post.
179. Mr. H. M. Eyres, who has replaced Mr. Furlonge, arrived from Suez
on the 1st July.
180. Mr. E. J. Powell, of His Majesty’s Office of Works, left for the United
Kingdom on the 4th July.
181. Dr. F. Dowdeswell arrived on the 1st July on a visit on his way from
London to Kenya, and left again for Port Sudan on the 8th.
182. The problem of destitute Takrunis, referred to in paragraph 142 of
last month’s report, remains. 120 more West African destitutes presented them
selves at the Chancery on the 20th, demanding repatriation, but were called off
by their sheikhs. The collaboration of the Italian authorities in respect of
Takrunis who can be proved to have come to this country via Massawa has been
promised, and the Italian Legation here, now in charge of a clerk, is being
approached.