'File 8/7 I Jidda Intelligence Reports' [‎54v] (108/536)

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and friendly interviews with the ’Iraqi Charge d’Affaires, Ibn Sa’ud sent a reply
in which, it seems, he regretted that~he could not infringe the rule which preserves
the Holy Places of Islam intact from diplomacy, and invited King Faisal to furnish
his representative with fresh credentials naming him to Jedda.
CHAPTER IV.—Am Matters.
132. Hejaz Air Foice. —Nil.
133. Emergency Landing Grounds. —There was no opportunity in April of
pursuing the matter.
134. Aerial Trespass. —None was reported.
CHAPTER V.— Military Matters.
135. Nat them Hejaz. —The drought-stricken northern tribeslands were appa
rently deserted and at peace.
136. East (Nejd). —Nothing to report.
137. South (’Asir). —News was received via Aden to the effect that, as a result
of renewed trouble between the Sa’udi control at Jizan and certain ’Asiri tribes r
the Amir Bin Shu’air had been recalled from Jizan and replaced by the Amir Bin
Zu’air from Qunfida.
CHAPTER VI.— Naval Matters.
138. Naval Visits. —The customary naval visit during the pilgrimage was
paid by Captain C. S. Sandford, O.B.E., R.N., Senior Naval Officer, Red Sea
Sloops, who visited Jedda for the first time on April 12th in H.M.S. “ Hastings ”
The visit lasted until April 18th, pilgrimage day falling on the 15th. It was an
unqualified success, which was largely due to the Navy’s own genial hospitality
and their effective co-operation with the shore and the pilgrimage fleet in the
running of the traditional Haj Regatta. The usual official visits were paid by
Captain Sandford, His Majesty’s Charge d’Affaires and the Governor of Jedda
receiving salutes when they returned his visits.
139. There were no foreign naval visits.
CHAPTER VII.— Pilgrimage.
140. Pilgrimage Day. —The 9th Dau’l Hijja did coincide with a Friday (the
15th April). The 50,000 or so Hajis who assembled upon that day in the plain
of ’Arafat were thus seven times blessed (for why, see paragraph 92). The shade
temperature was then not more than 102-F., deaths were few, and the general
health all that could be desired. In announcing this happy circumstance, the
Hejazi Government were moved to declare that the congregation that day num
bered not less than 150,000. This may be ascribed as much to ignorance as to
ecstasy. The desert so seldom teems that the Arab has but little knowledge of
large numbers.
141. Arrivals. —The official Hejazi statistics of oversea pilgrims, which are
not necessarily accurate, show some 29,000 this year as against 39,500 last year.
made up as follows :—
Nationality.
Last year.
This year.
Indians
7,200
9,500
Javanese
17,000
4,500
Egyptians
5,000
2,300
Syrians
1,000
2,100
North Africans ..
250
1,800
Afghans
1,000
1,700
Palestinians
,. 500
1,300
Bukharis
200
1,200
The Rest
..
7,350
4,600
Total
,. 39,500
29,000