ملف ١٩١٧/٧٥٦ الجزءان ٢-٣ "النشرات العربية أرقام ٦٦-١١٤" [و‎‎٣‎٨‎٥] (٨٣٤/٧٧٨)

faMSTT
— 123 —
pleting the eastern and southern isolation of the Hejaz, an event
which must inevitably hasten the conversion of the Hejaz tribes.
No wonder, then, that King Husein tries to consolidate his
position with Hassan ibn c Aidh at Ebhah.
A messenger named Sheikh Ibrahim el Hufdhi (“ Asir
Handbook,” page 101), sent by Hassan ibn Aidh, called on the
British Agent at Jeddah and presented a letter from his master.
Subscribing himself as Emir of Asir, Hassan ibn c Aidh stated, in
a somewhat roundabout manner, that he and his people thanked
Great Britain for their treatment of the Arab people in the matter
of independence, and said they knew well that we are a people
who keeps its promises.
He added that the people of Asir had long wished to show
their gratitude, but had been prevented by the Idrisi, who had
made war against them. “ If the Idrisi had attacked the Imam
and the Zeidis,” said Ibn c Aidh, “ we would have helped him,
and he could afterwards have extended his dominions in the
direction of the Yemen instead of occupying parts of Asir.
The letter closed with a statement that the important part of
his message would be given verbally by the representative,
followed by a request that the communication should be kept a
profound secret.
The Sheikh’s verbal statement is reported by the Acting
British Agent (Major Batten) as follows :—
“ The Sheikh spent an hour detailing the sad state of Asir
and the present plight of Ibn c Aidh. He stated that Ibn c Aidh
had ofiered to join the Idrisi against the Imam on condition that
some of his territory were returned. Five Sheikhs were sent to
the Idrisi with this offer, but the latter’s reply was to imprison
them and attack him. Ibn c Aidh’s people had had very heavy
losses, and fighting was still proceeding. He stated that their
flag and the Sherifian flag were the same, and the Idrisi’s flag
was red, but no material help came from King Husein neverthe
less, although Asir (so he said) was supposed to be under Husein.
The Idrisi had summoned Ibn c Aidh to lay down his arms, using
Great Britain’s name as his ally to induce respect to the demand.
He stated he had previously tried to visit the British Agent here,
but had been prevented by the Idrisi. They had not been able
to have any communication with our Political Officer at
Hodeidah.”
Sheikh Ibrahim then put the following questions :—
(1) Is Asir considered as an ally of Great Britain, or is it
attached to King Husein or the Idrisi ?