'File 8/15 Arab Series - 1933-1939' [‎49v] (98/434)

From information received, it is believed that the treaty negotiations with
the Iman have been entirely successful and Colonel Reilly is only waiting for
evacuation of Protectorate Territory by the Iman’s followers before signing the
treaty. The evacuation is going forward though more slowly than was expected.
An amusing report was received at the Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. from the Political Clerk
(Arab) at Hodeida, announcing that on successful completion of the negotiations
the Iman ordered his band to play “ all day ” outside Colonel Reilly’s house
“ much to the inconvenience of the Russian and Italian Consul who lived next
door.” He did not express Colonel Reilly’s views, but these may be left to the
imagination.
* * #.# * * • •
9. Mukalla. —Proceeded for Mukalla early on 26th January, carrying out
six monthly full power trial a. m. and arriving the following day in a mild sand
storm. His Highness the Sultan of Shihr and Mukalla was in residence but in
disposed and suffering from a cold. He sent his Wazir Minister. , Seyyid Bubakar Husein
to present his compliments with a request that calls should be dispensed with
and invited the Commanding Officer and two Officers to tea.
The Sultan is partially of Indian descent and has estates in Hyderabad
where he spends most of his time. He is a large unhealthy looking individual
reputed to take little interest in improving Mukalla while converting most of
the revenue to his own use and is naturally unpopular with his subjects.
**>***•••
13. Political Situation. — Saudi-Arabia-Yemen.
Further conference of Saudi-Arabian (headed by Fuad) and Yemeni
delegates is probable and should take place about middle of February. While
outbreak of hostilities at any moment is feared by the Saudi Government, con
fidence in a peaceful solution is expressed by the Iman’s Ministers.
Owing to suspicious attitude of Yemenis, Saudi troops have advanced to
Samta in Asir and have fortified mountain posts. Military preparations are
continuing on both sides.
Sana Mission (see paragraph 8).
Evacuation of Aden Protectorate Territory is slowly being effected and it
is improbable Mission will be ready to leave Hodeida before 14th Febur^y at
the earliest.
• * • » v- • • •
(45)
Enclosure in Colonial Office covering letter, dated the 6th April 1934.
(Received on 28th April 1934, with Political Secretary’s letter No. 15, dated the
12th April 1934.)
Letter prom the Resident, Aden, to the Colonial Office, No. 302, dated thb
13th December 1933..
I have the honour to report for your information that Sultan Muhsin bin
’Ali Mana of the Haushabi tribe, who was admitted to the Civil Hospital, Aden,
suffering from Septicaemia following Purulent Arthritis of the left knee-joint,
died on the 20th November, 1933.
2. He was a stipendiary Chief, and as soon as a successor has been elected
by his tribesmen a further communication wall be addressed to you.
Enclosure to Serial No. (45).
Letter from the Resident, Aden, to the Colonial Office, No. 66, dated the 7th
March 1934^
I have the honour to refer to my despatch No. .302, dated the 13th December
1933 [Serial No. (45)] and to state that I have now received a declaration signed
by the customary electors in the Haushabi tribe, and confirmation from His
Highness the Sultan of Lahej, that Sultan Sarur bin Muhammad A1 Fajjari has
been duly elected as successor of the late Sultan Muhsin bin ’Ali Mana.
2. Believing this election to have been in order, I have accorded recognition
to Sultan Sarur 'bin Muhammad A1 Fajjari the Haushabi and authorised the
payment to him of the stipend previously enjoyed by his predecessor in accor-