File 756/1917 Pt 2-3 ‘ARAB BULLETIN Nos 66-114’ [‎327r] (662/834)

69
The third letter was one from Seyyid Mohammed ibn Yahya
transmitting the other two to the Idrisi for perusal, and suggesting
that the latter, in addition to sending sufficient troops for the
more effective occupation of Zeidiyah, should also take steps to
prevent intrigue there.
In forwarding the letters, the Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. , Aden, states
that Zeidiyah is in the hands of the Idrisi, by whom their
opportune receipt is being used in justification of his action.
Abyssinia.
It appears that the report of Lij \ asu’s death (see page ^73,
volume 1918) was false, for the Commissioner, Berbera, reports
(March 10, 1919) that the Ethiopian Government planned, early
in March, an expedition against the Danakil chief who was
harbouring him in the Aussa country. Lij asu is said to have
increased his influence over the Danakil by means of mairiages
with their daughters and was thus inducing them to refuse
recognition of Abyssinian authority and to neglect payment of
tribute. , .
The troops, however, refused to join a campaign in the low
country and the objective of the expedition was therefore changed
to the restoration of order in the provinces of Yedju and Lasta,
where the change of government has not been recognized since
the 1917 revolt. „ , . , u
There are now frequent instances of the impotence ot the
Government, and no chief or tribe will obey any order which
does not suit them. As the troops are disinclined to^ undertake
military operations, the authorities have no means of enforcing
obedience and are compelled to confine themselves to publishing
proclamations which are universally ignored. .
An Intelligence report from Nairobi states that altairs in
Abyssinia at the end of last year were in a chaotic condition and
became worse owing to an outbreak of influenza. Has laftan
appears to have lost considerably in prestige and was being
blamed for the various epidemic outbreaks, the high prices of
food, and the brigandage on the caravan routes.
Definite signs are said to have appeared of a revolutionary
movement against the Empress and Ras Taffari, in favour of
Fitaurari Taye (whose name has previously been associated with
the position of Prince Regent). On the other hand, European
intervention has been openly discussed and it is even thought, in
some quarters, that Ras Taifari may be awaiting an opportunity
of inviting the protecting powers to take an active part in the
administration of Abyssinia. . '
A telegram dated May 2 has been received from Khartoum
o-iving intelligence reports from sources, not considered too
reliable, at Gedaref and Gallabat. Ras Seyyum was said to be at
Makalle, whilst Ras Gugsa had made some arrangement with the