مجموعة ٦/ ٩ "تقارير جدة يناير ١٩٣١ -" [و‎‎٢‎٩‎٣] (٨٠٢/٥٨٦)

11
causing some local stir and being in effect warned off by the local Saudi officials,
the vessel proceeded to Farsan and thence down the coast to another Asiri
“ port,” Madhaya. Mecca was indignant and registered strong protests with the
Italian representative in Jedda. M. de Peppo explained that, as the Saudi
Government themselves had left everyone so much in the dark about the true
^course of events in Asir, the Italian authorities had had to probe matters for
themselves, in the interests of their trading community in Eritrea, which was
heavily hit by the unrest in Asir. The Italian Government are said to have
admitted a breach in the international practice governing naval visits, but they
assured the Saudi Government of the Italian Government’s entirely friendly
feelings. Anyhow, the explanations offered sufficed to end the incident.
r 7 . VII.— Pilgrimage.
Indian.
384. During November the Legation was required to supply the Government
of India with material for reply to a number of questions asked in the Legislative
Assembly regarding conditions of the approaching pilgrimage to Mecca. The
Government of India published on the 26th November the tentative estimate of
the cost of this pilgrimage prepared by the Legation. There has so far been no
sign of a repetition of last season s controversy as to costs (see paragraph 95), the
nearest approach being some slightly misleading press statements made in India
by Jamal Pasha-al-Ghazzi, who styled himself Saudi Minister for War until
called to order by the Saudi Government. He has now let the Indian press know
that he is a private individual, but in reality he and Ismail Ghuznavi, the
agitator, are paid propagandists of the Saudi Government. The former is also
receiving Rs. 500 (£37 10.-?.) a month from Messrs. Turner, Morrison and Co.,
who hold an effectual monopoly of the Indian pilgrim trade, to boost the
pilgrimage for them.
. . VIII.— Slavery.
M anumissions.
385. One Sudani male slave, who had taken refuge in October, and one
Sudani male and two Sudani female slaves, who took refuge in November and
December, were freed and repatriated during this period. Two Abyssinian male
slaves took refuge at the end of December.
Enslavement of Pilgrims.
386. The suspected case reported in paragraph 332 was, after investigation
by the Saudi Government, found to be not proven. The Legation referred the
results of the enquiry to Lagos for such check thereon as might be possible.
^ . IX.— Miscellaneous.
Deportations.
389. Mirza Suleiman Ahmed (paragraph 109) was at length permitted to
return after an expiation of nearly a year in exile. A Nigerian, employed for
long years jointly by the Legation and Messrs. Gellatly, Hankey, albeit in one of
the meanest of tasks, was sentenced by the Sharia Court in November to deporta
tion for distilling alcoholic liquor. In view of his joint allegiance he could not
be afforded Legation protection, but he was enabled to leave in the guise of a free
man and with some hope of return.
Staff.
390. His Majesty’s Minister returned from leave on the 21st December.
Mr. Gamble left jedda on the 31st December on transfer to Tehran.