مجموعة ٦/ ٩ "تقارير جدة يناير ١٩٣١ -" [ظ‎‎٢‎١‎٥] (٨٠٢/٤٣١)

78. There has been no development of importance in connexion with
Ibn Sand’s other frontiers. It may be noted, however, that one of the moie
notable visitors to the Hejaz for the pilgrimage was Fawwaz-bm-Shalan,
grandson of and prospective successor to the famous Nuri of that ilk. It appeals
that he sat on the King’s left at the pilgrimage banquet on the 22nd March (see
paragraph 50 of the last report). It has been stated in the foreign Arabic pres|_^
that his tribe, the Ruwalla, and other Syrian tribes have promised support
Ibn Saud on the northern side.
79. (Reference paragraph 52.) Ibn Saud has, however, manifested
continued perturbation over the alleged machinations of plotters in adjoining
countries. On the 10th April Sheikh Yusuf Yasin brought a message from
him to Sir Andrew Ryan to the effect that he believed intrigues to be proceeding
between King Ghazi, the Amir Abdullah, other Shereefs, and the Amir Shakir, to
foment insurrection in Saudi Arabia, to which Sir Andrew Ryan was able to
return a generally reassuring reply to Fuad Bey Hamza on the 21st April; the
latter on that occasion produced a further story of activities on the part of a
son of Hamid-bin-Rifada near Aqaba, about which enquiries were still
proceeding at the end of the month.
III .—Relations with Powers outside Arabia.
80. Excellent relations have continued to prevail between the British
Legation and the Saudi Government. The question of the Indian Government
dispensary has been discussed several times, and with some vigour, as
Sheikh Yusuf Yasin rejected outright the possible settlement mentioned in
paragraph 53 of the last report. A conversation with Fuad Bey Hamza on the
30th April gave more promise of an eventual solution.
81. A Royal Air Force “Victoria” aeroplane made a forced landing on
Saudi territory west of Jinnah Island on the 17th April, and stuck in the sand.
The matter was at once notified to the Saudi Government with an apology for
the unintentional violation of their territory and a request for assistance. The
apology was verbally accepted and the local authorities instructed to help; the
Amir of Jubail, however, although most helpful, apparently misunderstood
his instructions and detained the machine for two days, necessitating a further
representation to the Government, before he would allow it to leave. The
aeroplane finally left Saudi territory and reached Bahrein on the 23rd April;
an expression of thanks for their assistance was subsequently conveyed to the
Saudi Government.
82. All friendliness notwithstanding, Ibn Saud has conceived some
apprehension as to the state of his relations with His Majesty’s Government
owing to the cumulative effect on his mind of various matters mentioned elsewhere
in this report, like the “ blue line note ” mentioned in paragraph 77, and some
of older date like the rapprochement between Great Britain and the Yemen.
There is no foundation for his fear that the fundamental policy of friendship
towards him has altered, although somewhat difficult questions call for solution.
83. The new Italian Charge d’Affaires presented his credentials at the
Jedda branch of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs on the 11th April, and was
received the same morning by the King in the course of the usual series of
audiences to foreign representatives. This procedure marked the difference
between his status and that of the Persian Minister, who presented his letters
to the King the same day.
84. Developments in the south have exacerbated the suspicion with which
the Saudi Government view Italian policy in the Red Sea. It is very obviously
pro-imam, though not incorrect vis-d-vis Ibn Saud. On the 22nd April the
Italian Charge paid his first visit to Fuad Bey Hamza, and urged on behalf of
his Government a peaceful settlement between the two rulers.
85. The Saudi Government are also somewhat suspicious of Egypt. The
Egyptian consul is perhaps not the ideal person to improve relations. At the
Zem Zem reception on the 22nd April (see paragraph 71 (e) above), he made a
speech which appeared to contrast the new perfection of the Egyptian arrange
ments for transporting pilgrims by sea with the still imperfect arrangements
for their comfort in the Hejaz. His remarks do not seem, however, to have been
as pointed as they were reported in certain quarters to have been.