File 756/1917 Pt 2-3 ‘ARAB BULLETIN Nos 66-114’ [‎132v] (273/834)

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ARABIA.
North-West.
Inteliujeiice.
Operations.
At the end of March British troops advanced through Salt
and scientifically destroyed over ten miles of railway south of
Amman as well as a bridge to the north, afterwards returning to
the Jordan valley. They captured 700 prisoners, fonr guns and
many machine guns. The threat of this advance caused the
Turks to evacuate Tafila, Kerak and Madeba, and to concentrate
on the railway.
In the southern area some of Sherif Abdullah’s Arabs made
an attack on outposts at Abu Naam, which was held by two
companies of Mule Mounted Infantry and one company of Camel
Corps. Fifteen Turks were killed and three captured.
Ferhan el-Aida is reported to have attacked Medain Saleh.
Ibn Rashid’s men counter-attacked but were fired on by both
sides and lost men and camels.
Two Turkish patrols, from Jedahah and Wagir, were
ambushed at the point where they met,'losing ten killed and five
prisoners.
Present Situation at Wejh.
Bimbashi Bright writes from Wejh under date March 21 :—
“Sherif Sharaf arrived here from Jeyadah on February 21.
Unfortunately he had delayed his return to Wejh for a fortnight
more than was anticipated, but as soon as he was settled in
Wejh the necessity for action was impressed on him. Since
the beginning of the month there has been considerable activity
in the Suk here, and large numbers of Bedouins, especially Billi,
have been in to pay their respects to Sherif Sharaf and to receive
pay and supplies. Sherif Sharaf has been constantly occupied
in the Meglis with them, and from all accounts lias treated
them with a firm hand. Each sheikh has had to say how many
Haggeens he can provide, and Sherif Sharaf has told off a
Mamour to each section ; and unless the promised number of
camels and men are forthcoming the monthly pay of that section
will not be paid. At one time there was a certain amount of
bad feeling between Hammad Mongara (Sheikh of Billi) and
Sherif Sharaf over supplies, but this seems to have now been settled.
Most of the important Billi sheikhs have been in, but as
every one is very reticent it has not been possible to find
out precisely which, nor the numbers of Bedouins promised.
Hamid ibn Rifada and Ibrahim (now paramount Sheikh of the
Bilh) aie still here and intend proceeding to Mecca to interview
the King on the arrival of the “ Borulos.” I have met
Ibrahim in company with Sharaf; his attitude seems quite
friendly and everything points to all the Billi having now come
over to the side of the King. With Hamid ibn Rifada there is