File 756/1917 Pt 2-3 ‘ARAB BULLETIN Nos 66-114’ [‎324r] (656/834)

Rashid did not, however, join the Emirs near Medina and was
reported by the Political Officer, Zobl^i, who met him early in
April, to be approaching Basrah (April 9, 1919) with an offer
of submission. Later (April 17), he was stated to have
reached Abu Ghar (two days west of Khamasiyah—90 miles \\ .
by K from Basrah) with about 100 men, and although he appears
to be making overtures to the Iracj Administration, he is said to
have sent menacing letters to Dhami of Aslam and other lessei
Sheikhs of the Shammar who deserted him and established
nominally friendly relations with us during the war. Messengers
from Ibn Rashid were reported on April 17, 1919, en route for
Baghdad. n
At his meeting with the Political Officer Zobadtvi, Ibn
Rashid stated that Ibn Sand tried three times to make peace with
him and succeeded at the last attempt. _
It seems possible, therefore, and especially ii the news ot
his somewhat unexpected rapprochement with Ibn Saud is correct,
that the proposed agreement between the King and Ibn Rashid
has not eventuated, possibly owing to a refusal by H use in to
restore the villages and pay the subsidy, and that Ibn Rashid is
about to become yet another Arab chief demanding the inevitable
subsidy from the fountain-head.
Latest News.
Another of Ibn Rashid’s political flirtations is reported
(May 16) from Damascus. An emissary has arrived there with
a letter, addressed to the British Military Governor and Shent
Feisul, in which Ibn Rashid proposes a reconciliation and
professes a readiness to obey orders.
Yemen.
The surrender of the Turkish forces in Yemen and Asir has
been completed. The total numbers evacuated are 714 officers,
9 032 other ranks, 205 male civilians, 1,030 women and children.
’ An Abyssinian named Ismail Effendi, “ El Aswad, recently
in the Turkish service, was interviewed by Colonel Jacob at
Aden. He stated that Sheikh Mohammed Nasir Muqbil of
Mawiyah (see p. 32 of this volume) was only powerful so long as
the Turks were in occupation, that he has no great influence
now and is undecided whether to follow or oppose the Imam.
In the opinion of Ismail Effendi, the most influential person m
the Yemen, of the Shawafi, is Sheikh Mohammed Hassen of the
Shadhilia cult (see p. 341, volume 1918), a very holy man and
much revered by all Shawafi. He is far stronger than Mohammed
Nash* Muqbil or Seyyid Ahmed Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. of Taiz.
Ismail Effendi, who- has held official posts in the Yemen tor
20 years and was recently offered the position of Kaimmakam of
Taiz by the Imam Yahya, considers the latter to be the strongest
Imam, although he is disliked for his meanness.