'File 61/11 VII (D 122) Hejaz-Nejd Miscellaneous' [‎56v] (125/454)

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short stays here, as M. Maigret seldom leaves his house, except to leave Jedda )
and eschews social intercourse almost completely. His health is poor and he was
much taken up with an aged mother until her death in August 1932. He does
not appear to carry much weight with Saudi officials, whom he found incon
ceivably tiresome when negotiating his treaty. He is understood to have a
considerable book knowledge of English, and has translated Mr. Philby's
^4 mfem into French. (Written in January 1933.) 1
Since the foregoing account was written, M. Maigret continued to lead the
life of a grass-widower, consoled, it is thought, by a permanent lady guest, in
Jedda. He attracted attention in 1933 by a visit to Riyadh, which had some
official purpose, though he concealed it under the pretence of haying gone by
invitation of the King to obtain material for a book. After his return, he
continued to isolate himself greatly, but towards the end of 1934 he showed less
agoraphobia, driving frequently outside the town, and appearing somewhat
oftener than was his wont in society. He let it be known in December that it
was intended to raise his post to the status of a Legation as from the 1st January,
1935, and that he would remain at the head of it with the rank of Minister
Besident. No official announcement has been made up to the time of writing.
Germany.
The German consulate has remained unoccupied since the departure in 1933
of M. Heinrich De Haas, the honorary consul appointed in 1931.
Iraq.
Sayyid Kamil-al-Gilani, formerly Iraqi consul-general in Beirut, was in
January 1934 appointed Iraqi Charge d'Affaires in Saudi Arabia and consul-
general at Jedda. He arrived in Jedda on the 17th June. This young man
of 35 was thought in Bagdad to have derived little benefit from his education,
which included a sojourn of some years at the American University in Beirut,
and to owe his advancement rather to the influence of his brother, Rashid Ali
Bey A1 Gilani, a former Prime Minister of Iraq, than to any marked ability.
When we exchanged visits last June, I had little reason to question this
appreciation, though his smile mitigated my first impression of shifty eyes in a
sombre face, and I was struck by his apparently considerable knowledge of
Arabian affairs and certain persons concerned in them. Few opportunities have
since offered of getting to know him better. Though correct and friendly in his
relations with Mr. Calvert, when they have met, he has shown no inclination to
frequent the British Legation and seems to prefer the society of members of the
French consulate. He has a very moderate knowledge of English. He does not
appear to have a wife in Jedda.
Italy.
Signor G. Persico, whose appointment as Italian Charge d'Affaires was
announced late in 1933, arrived in Jedda on the 24th March, 1934, coming direct
fiom a post in the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs. His previous career
had been spent largely in Russia, with interludes in Istanbul and Cairo. His
age is probably about 40. He had no special knowledge of Arabian affairs when
he came to Jedda, and does not seem to have acquired more than a very general
grasp of them since. It was understood, when he arrived, that he was intended
loi the post of Minister, as soon as the situation between Saudi Arabia and the
Yemen should ha\e become easier, but his promotion has not yet been announced.
Dunng the acute stage of that situation, he impressed Saudi officials by his
mo eration and readiness to see their point of view; and in his relations with
i ie i i 1 V i • ^ e § a ^ lon . proved himself an agreeable colleague, very ready to
e le p ul m connexion with the one important matter of common interest which
has arisen, apart from the question of Saudi-Yemen relations. His chief claim
to distinction has been the zeal and efficiency with which he has created a garden
in the strip of ground outside his house, with soil imported from Egypt and
plants from various sources. This garden is one of the wonders of Jedda and
has cost M. Persico a pretty penny, which he can afford the more easily as he is
EngHsh moderate^ ^ entertam ed very little. He speaks French well and