Coll 6/61 'The Yemen: Relations between H.M.G. and the Imam.' [‎59r] (119/507)

38. As regards succession to the Imamate, although the King’s eldest son, Seif al
Islam Ahmed, has been proclaimed Crown Prince and Heir Apparent, it seems that his
ultimate succession is by no means certain. Although he is said to have the strength,
he is not popular and his cruelty and tyranny are likely to cause a revulsion of feeling
against his rule and a dread of the future when the reins of Government are in his hands.
Of the Imam’s other sons, Seif al Islam ‘Ali is probably the one who would receive
the greatest support, as he is very popular. He is nominally “ Minister of Finance ”
in the Yemen “ Cabinet ”, but, I believe, lately got into trouble with his august father
for failing in his duties. Report has it that he is fonder of wine and women than trying
to balance a budget.
The most favoured opponents of the Crown Prince are the ibn al Wazir Minister. family,
of whom Seiyid ‘Abdullah is the most likely candidate. At present Governor of
Hodeida, he has filled many important posts in the past, the most recent one, of course,
being the King of the Yemen’s representative in the peace negotiations with Ibn Sa'ud.
He is a man of strong character and fine presence. As far as one can see, he is on
quite good terms at present with the Imam, but the Imam makes a point of sending
him to places to do a special job which is likely to make him unpopular with the people.
Hence his selection of him temporarily as Governor of the Shafa'i district of Hodeida,
immediately after the Sa'udi evacuation and Yemeni re-occupation. As is known, the %
Shafa'i population of the Tihama proved themselves disloyal during the Sa'udi advance
and Seiyid ‘Abdullah, on assuming his appointment, had orders to deal with the people
with a heavy hand. It is rumoured that one of the King’s sons is again going to be
appointed Governor of Hodeida, and, if true, it will be interesting to see what work the
King will find for Seiyid ‘Abdullah.
Even should Seiyid ‘Abdullah not consider himself strong enough to make a bid for
the Throne, one would not be surprised to find him asserting his independence and
proclaiming himself an independent Governor.
Seiyid ‘Ali, the cousin of Seiyid ‘Abdullah, who is Governor of Ta'iz, is not eligible
for the Throne owing to the loss of one eye. He seems to be on good terms with the
King, but himself expresses the opinion that there will be upheavals and contentions
for the Throne when the King dies.
Another member of the Al Wazir Minister. family is Seiyid Muhammad, ‘Abdullah’s brother,
who is Governor of the Dhamar district.
A new claimant to the future Throne has lately arisen in the person of Seiyid ‘Ali
Hamud of Kokaban, of the Qasim branch of the Imam’s family, who is reported to have
gained considerable popularity.
39. Wing-Commander Knowles treated a good many patients, at San'a, Ibb, and
Ta‘iz, and I have already reported how his advice was sought by the King.
At Ta'iz, Seiyid Ali, the Governor, asked his advice about the health of his eldest
son, ‘Abdullah, who had been out of sorts for some months with an internal complaint,
and the ‘Amil of Ta'iz consulted him with regard to one of his sons, a boy of about 8.
As the Italian doctor, Bertroni, was in charge of the cases, Wing-Commander Knowles
went into consultation with him about them and suggested that both the invalids should be
sent to Aden as soon as possible, the Governor’s son to be X-rayed and the ‘Amil’s
son for an operation, and I extended a welcome to them as political guests during their
stay in Aden. This was agreed to and it is expected that they will shortly arrive.
Lieutenant Morphew, R.A., was granted leave to proceed with the Mission, to which he
was attached, and my thanks are due to him for the various ways in which he assisted me.
I am also very grateful for the assistance rendered to me by Mr. Salih Ja'far, 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. Political Clerk at Hodeida. His knowledge of the Yemeni personalities and
Yemeni politics was invaluable to me and I was glad to a&k tor and receive his advice.
My thanks are also due to Sergeant Nasir ‘Awadh ‘Aulaqi and Private ‘Abdulghafur
Muhammad Yafa'i of the Aden Protectorate Levies, who did good work as orderlies.
40. It is regretted that the estimate of the expenses of the Mission as submitted to
His Majesty's Government in telegram No. 208 of 6th August, 1934*, has been con
siderably exceeded. The reasons for the increase have already been explained in
telegram No. 253 of 20th September, 1934f, and the increase is almost entirely due to
the necessity for giving larger and more tips and presents and also to an item which
was unforseen, namely, the hire of motor transport from the Yemen frontier to Aden.
* No. 37922/34 [No. 45].
f No. 37922/34 [No. 52].