مجموعة ٦/ ٩ "تقارير جدة يناير ١٩٣١ -" [ظ‎‎٣‎٩‎٦] (٨٠٢/٧٩٣)

difficulties in getting his position clear with the Hejazi Government. There are
two versions : one that he wished to present credentials of some sort to the King;
the other that he has applied for and is awaiting an exequatur. Meanwhile, he
appears to be a somewhat enterprising business man, and has been first favourite
in the competition for the Government benzine contract, formerly held by
Messrs. Gellatly, Hankey and Co. on behalf of Shell, but not renewed for 1931. ^
Egypt.
General.
39. The Egyptian consul is understood to have continued his conversations
with a view to a settlement between Hejaz-Nejd and Egypt. A few days after
his return to Jedda (December report, section 12), the Egyptian Minister for
Foreign Affairs denied in an interview given to a Cairo paper that the consul
had been instructed to carry on negotiations, although it was admitted that
M. Achmouni had brought back a letter from King Fuad to Ibn Saud in reply
to one from the latter.
Aida Incident.
40. A small incident which might have complicated relations between
Hejaz-Nejd and Egypt occurred on the 7tli-8th February. Admiral Tomlin,
head of the Egyptian Ports and Lights Administration, had projected a visit
to Jedda in the course of a cruise of inspection in the administration’s vessel
“ Aida.” He had informed the Egyptian Government, and, supposing them to
have made the necessary arrangements, arrived in Jedda on the 7th February.
The Egyptian Government had, in fact, done nothing, although a belated
telegram reached the Egyptian consul more or less simultaneously with the
“Aida’s” arrival. The Hejazi Government took great offence. On the
8th February they addressed oral enquiries to Sir A. Ryan, who, though he had
actually heard of the impending visit from Suez on the 6th February, naturally
disclaimed any concern in the matter. Later in the morning the Egyptian consul
called at the Legation in a state of great agitation, as he had arranged for
Admiral Tomlin to call on the Acting Governor of Jedda, and had learnt that
the latter had been instructed not to return the call. As the matter threatened
to be disagreeable and to involve a British officer in the Egyptian service, His
Majesty’s Minister offered to use his good offices as a friend of both parties, and
was able to put the matter in such a way that the Hejazi Government relented.
Not only was the admiral’s call properly returned, but presents of sheep, &c.,
were sent on board the “ Aida.” The impression left by the incident was that,
although Ibn Saud had mounted his high horse, not without reason, he was
pleased enough to ride out of the affair on a friendly British intervention.
Other Powers.
41. There is nothing of importance to record. The Persian Legation
remained closed during the two months (December report, section 14). The
Netherlands Charge d’Affaires was absent from Jedda on a tour in the Sudan
for two or three weeks, and left again on the 25th February to visit Aden,
Kamaran, the Yemen, and, if possible, Hadramaut, between which country and
Java there is said to be much intercourse.
IV.—Am Matters.
Hejaz Air Force.
42 The deplorable situation in this force (December report, section 15)
became more deplorable in January, The four remaining mechanics resigned
about the end of December and left on the 11th February, the other two having
already gone This reduced the force to three pilots, one of whom, Mr. Lowe,
was not on speaking terms with his colleagues, engaged apparently in intrigues
with certain local officers and boycotted the Legation. Sir A. Ryan doubted
whether he could usefully intervene, but His Majesty’s Government still hoped