'File 8/15 Arab Series - 1933-1939' [‎47v] (94/434)

sV
4 %
*
*
*
*
*
*
26
8 . At 15-30 the Resident disembarked accompanied by the Commanding:
Officer and Aide-de-Camp and was accorded a salute of 13 guns following which
his flag was struck.
********
9 . The Resident was received by the principal officials and a large guard
and band (the latter in uniform) ; also by the majority of the populace who had
assembled in their best attire at every available point of vantage. He was
conducted to a house near the landing place which had been specially prepared
for his accommodation and the party was introduced to the Governor of Hodeida,
Saif-al-Islam Abdullah, a younger son of the Iman.
Abdullah is aged about nineteen, of slight build and unprepossessing in ap
pearance which is accentuated by a receding chin and an attempt to grow
a beard ; his eyesight is presumably weak as he wears glasses. After welcom
ing tbe Resident on behalf of the Iman and ordering refreshments he had little
to say although Colonel Reilly speaks Arabic fluently.
10. The Mission consists of :—
Lieutenant-Colonel B. R. Reilly, C.I.E., O.B.E., Chief Commissioner,
Resident and Commander-in-Chief of Aden, and appointed His
Majesty’s Commissioner and Plenipontentiary to the Iman of the
Yemen.
Mr. R. S. Champion, Political Secretary, Aden.
Lieutenant the Hon’ble R. A. F. Hamilton, Aden Protectorate Levies,
A. D. C. and Transport Officer, attended by a Staff and Retinue of
ten persons including :—
1 Arab Officer, Aden Protectorate Levies.
2 Orderlies, Aden Protectorate Levies.
2 W.|T. Operators, Aden Protectorate Levies.
1 Medical Officer (Indian).
3 Personnel servants and 1 cook.
11. Mr. Champion, Political Secretary, in whose hands all the preparatory
work had been ably accomplished was unable to travel at the last moment owing
to illness. He is an experienced Arabic Scholar and his absence would have been
greatly felt by the Mission. He was, however, able to join the Mission later,
flying to Kamaran, thence by dhow A term adopted by British officials to refer to local sailing vessels in the western Indian Ocean. to the Mainland and motor car to Sana.
12 . A portable R. A. F. W.|T. set was carried by the Mission and communi
cation established with Aden shortly after arrival at Sana.
It had also been hoped to obtain permission from the Iman for aeroplanes
to land at Sana and thus maintain more direct touch, but this was refused.
13. The Resident arranged to leave for Sana at 07-00 on the following morn
ing, stopping for one night on the way. The road has recently been improved
and the journey can actually be done in a day. The negotiations were expected
to take until towards the end of January it was not thought that much would
be accomplished until after expiration of Ramadan 16th January.
Proceeded at noon on 17th December, information having been received that
the Mission had started their journey according to plan—a creditable feat in
an Arab country on the part of the Transport Officer.
Before sailing generous gifts of bullocks, sheep, chickens, pigeons, fruit,
coffee and vegetables were received—a present from the Imanic Government and
a suitable letter of thanks sent.
********
16. Political .—It is understood that the situation between Tbn Sa’ud and
the Tman is improving and reported that they are again exchanging telegrams.
From all accounts fighting has been entirely restricted to Najran and a
rumour that Sa’udian troops had infracted the Southern border of Asir has
been denied.