'File 8/15 Arab Series - 1933-1939' [‎81v] (162/434)

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21 . Influenced by these repeated expressions of the opinions held by London
and Rome as to His Majesty’s wishes, and taking into account the complication
referred to in paragraph 19 (particularly as regards its effect on the laige native
population of Aden who, being unable to appreciate the circumstances of an un
official visit, would regard the omission of Royal Honours as most unusual), it
was decided that full compliments should be paid, it being held that in the un
usual circumstances of a Sovereign paying a visit to a foreign military port of
a status such as that of Aden, without flying his Standard although under naval
escort, an excess of ceremony was to be preferred to a deficiency.
In his advance message of welcome which he sent that evening, Sir Bernard
Reilly therefore stated his desire to render the usual honours on the arrival of the
Yacht, unless the King desired to the contrary, to which His Majesty replied
with an expression of thanks.
Apart from the fact that it was evidently impossible for His Majesty’s Ship
under my command not to fire a Royal Salute when the military forces were render
ing this honour, but instead to salute the flag of the Rear Admiral, I myself con
curred in the decision recorded above. The rendering of other naval honours,
in my opinion, followed as a necessary corollary, and arrangements were therefore
made to dress ship, man ship, and cheer.
It will be appreciated that these decisions taken only a few hours before the
expected arrival of His Majesty could not under the circumstances be submitted
to Their Lordships for prior approval.
Monday, 29th October.
22. H. M. S. “ Penzance ”, the military signal stations and merchant vessels
in port dressed ship overall at 0800.
On approaching the Fairway Buoy “ Gorizia ” saluted the Country, which
was returned by the Marbut Battery.
The Royal Yacht “ Savoia ”, followed by “Gorizia” entered the Inner
Harbour at 1330, when a Royal Salute, synchronised by V/S signals, was fired by
“ Penzance ” and the shore battery.
On the near approach of “ Savoia ”, “ Penzance ” manned ship, rendered
military honours and cheered ship.
“ Savoia ” proceeded to No. 4 buoy, head west, and was thus in close proxi
mity to “ Penzance ” (No. 2 buoy, head east), while “ Gorizia ” proceeded to No. 2
fuelling berth, military honours being paid by “ Penzance ” as she passed.
The Royal Standard was not flying, neither was it hoisted at any time through
out the visit. As far as could be seen, no marks of respect were rendered by
c ' Gorizia ” when passing the Yacht, either on entering harbour or on departure.
23. The Chief Commissioner, flying his Flag and accompanied by Group
Captain (?. F. A. Portal, D. S. 0. M. C. (Officer Commanding British Forces),
proceeded at once on board “ Savoia ” to offer his respects and welcome to His
Majesty.
In the evening, Sir Bernard Reilly, the Group Captain, Lieutenant-Colonel,
N. M. McLeod (Commanding British Troops) and the Aide de Camp had the honour
of dining with His Majesty; these invitations had been issued by the Consul.
24. Before the operation of securing was completed the Officer of the Guard
from “ Gorizia ” called on me (having passed “ Penzance’s ” Officer of the Guard
between the two ships) and presented a request from Rear Admiral Conte Luigi
Miraglia that in view of the short duration of the stay I should refrain from call
ing on him.
25. A police boat patrolled round the Yacht during the whole of the visit.
Tuesday, 30th October.
26. As on the preceding day, “ Penzance ”, the shore signal stations and
merchant shipping dressed ship overall at 0800.
His Majesty landed at the Prince of Wales’ Pier at 0700, and was received
with a Royal Guard provided by the British troops and Royal Air Force.