'File 8/15 Arab Series - 1933-1939' [‎31v] (62/434)

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Sport.
16. Two football matches took place, the first against a team composed
mainly of Javanese and the second against an Arab side ; the former was
drawn, and the latter won by the ship, 2—0.
Both games drew well behaved and enthusiastic crowds of between 2,000
and 3,000 spectators.
Football made its first appearance in the Hedjaz about 2 years ago, and
initiallv was banned, as it was thought that football clubs would become a cloak
for political intrigue. The Government, however, was not long able to maintain
this attitude in the face of the wave of popularity which the game attracted,
particularly as it was strongly backed by the Amir Faisal, the Viceroy of the
Hedjaz and second son of the King, who alone among the Royal House has
visited Europe and acquired a smattering of western ideas. Rather is the game
now encouraged in the belief, that, instead of criticisms of the Government, the
relative merits of prominent players now provide the main topic of gossip in
the bazaars. Whatever, may be the truth of this comforting theory, there can
be no doubt as to the grip of the game on the popular imagination ; teams are
springing up at Mecca as well as at Jedda, professionalism is beginning to show
itself, and the days of the Sau’di Cup Final, transfer fees, gate money and other
blessings of civilisation may not be far distant.
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Throughout the stav, the hospitality offered on all sides was most marked
and particularly at the Legation under Mr. A.'S. Calvert, the Charge d’Affaires,
whose kindness in providing car conveyance and in assisting in water transport
was of great assistance.
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Political Situation. - _ '
18 No marked change in the situation on the Yemen frontier has taken
place The Imam has recently re-opened correspondence, by W.|T., asking
King Ibn Sa’ud for the reason for his troop concentrations.
The latter replied at length, re-stating his contentions and d'emands, re-
questing a reasoned reply'to them, and suggesting a further meeting of
delegates To this latter proposal the Imam readily agreed, but, typically,
omitted all reference to Sau’dian claims. Once more Ibn Sa’ud pressed for a
considered reply, and it was this strongly-worded communication which was
incorrectly reported in a Cairo newspaper as constituting an ultimatum.
19 The concentration of troops and tribesmen continues, and is believed
to be * nearing completion. It is reported in Jedda that the full quotas have
not been forthcoming from many tribes, and that in the case ot a power!ul
group in the North-West, Ibn Sa’ud has not felt himself strong enough to
insist on the despatch of any forces.
Bedouin who have never seen a white mah have recently passed through
Jedda en route for the South.
(2)
(Received on 20th January 1934, with Political Secretary’s letter No. 53, dated
4th January 1934.)
Enclosure in Foreign Office covering letter, dated 2nd January 1934.
Letter from the British Embassy, Baghdad, to the Foreign Office, No. 777 [
463|1|33, dated THE 12th December 1933.
With reference to my despatch no. 95 of the 9th February, 1933 concerning
Herr E Borchers, I have the honour to report that the representative of another
foreign firm^nanufactiiring munitions, TIerr Maj Borchardt ha* ™eontly visited
Bagdad. Herr Borcliardt is acting on behalf of the Valend Import and Export
Company of Amsterdam, which is, I believe, a German owned Company.
2 While in Bagdad he has, through the German Legation been put into
communication with a certain Abdul Latif al Abdul Juld, wh^ whon m Ba^ad
last Summer, represented himself to be authorised by King Ibn Sa ud to ne„o
tiate the purchase of large quantities of arms and ammunition and also to dis-
cuss proposals for oil and other concessions.