Coll 6/9 'Jeddah Reports Jany 1931–' [‎19v] (39/802)

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Jedda gratis, perhaps for one of the following reasons; the supply was too
small, or the messenger, named Bata or Bahta, an Abyssinian, has left for
Massawa.
356. It appears that in the past such newspapers have been sent to Mecca
also; they were distributed by the caretaker in charge of the Italian “ rubat”
at Mecca.
357. Strong rumours that arms and ammunition had been landed somewhere
near Aqaba were heard in the local bazaar on the 18th September. These rumours,
which may be connected with certain shipments of Italian arms from Massawa
in June, are being investigated; the latest indications are that the arms have
been delivered to the Saudi posts in the northern frontier areas.
358. M. Bellini, the senior interpreter to the Italian Legation, has been
definitely transferred to Rome. He has had about thirty-eight years’ service
already and felt very humiliated when a new secretary,' the Marquis Paveri
Fontana, came to Jedda and became senior to him. M. Bellini’s successor is to
be a certain M. Bachir, an Arab from Tripoli.
359. M. Pastacaldi the chancelier at the Italian Legation left, with his
wife, on transfer to Jibuti on the 22nd September. His chief, M. Sillitti. left
on leave, at last, seveyn days later, after spending almost the whole summer
here endeavouring to get four months’ leave. He will have to be back, he said,
early in December for the Massawa pilgrimage.
IV .—M iscellaneous.
360. Mr. C. Ousman, pro-consul at this Legation, returned to Jedda from
Riyadh on the 29th September. In spite of many exasperating difficulties he
succeeded in installing the King’s electric plant, and left when the first test
gave successful results. The wiring in the Royal palaces, however, is not of
good quality; such supplies were furnished by Mr. Philby’s firm Sharqieh.
Mr. Ousman received from the King his thanks, two abas, a dagger and a Bombay
wrist-watch which has since stopped. He was glad to return to Jedda after
nearly three months’s absence in very trying conditions.
361. It is hard to refrain from comparing the meagre acknowledgment of
Mr. Ousman s hard work with the ridiculous liberality extended to the man
who announced the birth of the Amir Feisal’s son. Reports concerning the latter
event, however, may be exaggerated; and means may be found to squeeze out
of the man that which he obtained so easily. It would be wrong to conclude that
the Royal family value an addition to the large company of Royal offsprino- so
much higher than an electric light installation.
362. Haji Abdul Majid, Malay pilgrimage officer, returned to Jeddaa from
Singapore on the 26th September.
^ 63 - , Dr - Mahmud Hamooda, Director-General of the Health Department,
left for Syria the previous week, and is to attend the International Health
Conference at Paris as a representative of the Saudi Arabian Government.
ui- 3( ? 4 i The Mecca Municipality are displaying great zeal. A notice has been
published warning the Meccans that a committee has been formed with the object
of inspecting ruined houses and taking any necessary measures for safeguarding
them from falling down. Some houses have been condemned to be demolished as
they are unsafe.
365. The L mm-ul-Qura of the 3rd September announces the opening of
a new hospital at Taif, furnished with an adequate number of beds appliances
and surgical instruments. Operations and treatment were due to beo-in on
the 4th September. &
366. It was i eported last month that a number of lorries, lorry chassis and
passenger cars had been imported and landed at Jedda. A full list’of these cars
to the middle of September is said to be as follows :—
(1) Lorries and lorry chassis :—
22 11 Bussing Nag ” lorries (Diesel).
15 “ Mercedes Benz ” lorries (Diesel).
20 “ Chrysler ” trucks.
28 ‘ ‘ Chrysler ’ ’ truck chassis.
100 “ Ford ” truck chassis.
5 “ Krupp ” lorries (Diesel, air-cooled).