File 600/1905 Pt 3 'Aden Hinterland: Situation; Withdrawal of Political Agent from Dthala; Treaties with Haushabi, Kotaibi and Alawi chiefs' [‎189v] (374/508)

2. The several proposals made by Captain Hancock, General Mason and
Major Jacob, referred to in paragraph 3 of your letter, with regard to the
replacement of the Aden Troop by tribal levies and the restoration to the Aden
Troop of the duties for which they were originally raised, have for their object
the safeguarding of the caravan route and the punishment of those who disturb
the peace of the country. But while we are anxious to abstain from interference
with the tribes, and consequently desire to attain our objects through the Chiefs J
themselves, we hesitate, as it seems to me, to admit that they either will not '
or cannot, with the means at their disposal, so control their petty Sheikhs and
tribesmen as to enable them to fulfil their treaty engagements, chief of which
is the security of the roads which traverse their territory. In return for the
stipends that we regularly pay to the Chiefs we receive little beyond their good
will, and, unless we are prepared to considerably increase these stipends, which
are not at present sufficient to pay for the necessary levies, and also insist on
the money being utilized in the maintenance of efficient levies and patrols on
the trade routes, we cannot, it seems to me, ensure our object.
Now it must, I think, be recognized that to insist on the maintenance
by the Chiefs of efficient levies would involve some interference, but to a lesser
decree than maintaining those levies for ourselves. But, on the other hand, as
our control over them would be indirect, the tribal levies would under their own
Chiefs be perhaps less efficient.
3. I am greatly averse to any proposal which involves the disbandment
of the Aden Troop.
With a slight modification in its organization, by which the Arab guides
of former days would again be incorporated in the troop, I believe its utility
might be greatly increased, and I propose to address you separately on this
subject at a later date. Tn the event of the Arab levies proving inefficient, it
may be a matter for consideration whether the Aden Troop should not he
charged with the security of the entire road to D’thala. In addition to these
duties they must act as escort to the Resident and to the Political Officer, whom
it is proposed to appoint to the Southern Division, and thus enable him to visit
any part of the Subehi country when required.
4. If this be agreed to, there remains only that part of the road that
traverses Haushabi, Alawi, Kotaibi and Amiri limits. We have already arranged
to pay the Amir an increased stipend with the special object of keeping up
50 levies who will be charged with the safety of the road through Amiri territory.
In my opinion a similar obligation should be imposed on the Haushabi, Alawi
and Kotaibi. The last named is subject to the Amir, however, and although
the latter is responsible, I see no objection to increasing the Amir’s stipend by a
sum of Rs. 50 a month as proposed by Major Jacob, which shall be directly
earmarked for the Kotaibi Chief. It should be given however for the express
purpose of safeguarding the road and should cease as soon as that object
is not attained.
5. As to the Haushabi Sultan, he has a considerable stretch of road to
safeguard, which is open to attack by the Dthambaries and Subehis. He has
moreover to safeguard the Mavia caravan road. I think he should be given
some further assistance. He requires to maintain 50 men to do the work that
falls to him effectively. I propose that troops be withdrawn from the post of
El-Millah where they serve no useful purpose, and that the Haushabi Sultan be
given 50 M.-H. rifles and 1,000 rounds of ammunition and that his stipend be
increased by Rs. 50 as a contribution towards cost of these 50 men. This
payment to cease at once if he fails to keep the road secure.
6. There remains the Alawi who gets a stipend of Rs. 50 a month. I
consider that this amount is an inadequate recognition of his responsibilities,
and I recommend that it be doubled, on condition that he maintains 20 efficient
men at Mabaja or elsewhere. The grant in this case also should be contingent
on the safety of the road being maintained.
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