Coll 6/8(1) 'Printed Series: 1929 to 1938.' [‎521v] (1047/1062)

2 Several dhows were inspected during this cruise, Mr. Wat erlow, British Minis
ter to Abyssinia, who was recently given a passage to Berbera and Jibouti to take up
his appointment at Addis Ababa has since been seriously ill with heart trouble, due
to the height at which Abyssinia is situated—8,500 it.—and it has been necessary
to invalid him to England. He was awaiting passage at Aden on my arrival there.
3. Ship sailed for Asab, p. m. 21st January.
Visits were exchanged with Resident Commissioner, Dr. Errico Cibelh.
Commanding Officer and one other officer dined with the Commissioner and a party
of Italian officers with Commissioner Cibelli and Madame Cibelli lunched on board
“ Clematis ” the following day.
2. Asab is a small town of about 3,000 inhabitants. It is r however, a place of
possible future importance by virtue of the fact that a motor road is under construc
tion from Asab to the interior of Abyssinia. A large warehouse was in process of
erection and also harbour works, including cargo-loading appliances. I was inform
ed these were in connection with the large Salt Works Co. (Capital 20,000,000
lira) which has recently been established here. This may be so, but it is probable
these loading appliances are also in connection with the trade with the interior of
Abyssinia, which it is hoped will develop when the road is completed. The bay in
which Asab is situated is spacious and although affording good anchorage for a Fleet,
is somewhat exposed to the strong Southerly winds which prevail at this season of
the year.
Massaua .—Junction was made with H.M.S. £1 Endeavour ” on 24th January
off Kamaran for the purpose of delivering mails. Sailed for Massaua arriving 25th
January, p. m. Usual salutes were exchanged and visits between “ Clematis ” and
officials made. A very warm welcome awaited the ship at Massaua, where our
arrival appeared to have been heralded from Asab.
2. The Resident Commissioner, Vincenzo Cancilla, informed me that H. E.
the Governor of Eritrea hoped that myself and as many officers as I desired to bring
would visit him at Asmara. Two motor cars were placed at our disposal and two
Italian Naval Officers to accompany us, and party of six officers (i.e. 4 British, 2
Italian) left for Asmara at 14-00, arriving at 18-00.
3. Asmara, situated some 140 kilometres by road from Massaua, at an altitude
of 6,000 to 7,000 ft. has a population of 14,000 of whom some 1,500 odd are white.
Development has lately been rapid and many public buildings are of considerable
size and importance, including the Roman Catholic Cathedral, large Civil and Mili
tary Clubs, the Governor’s Palace, Zoo, Military Hospital, Theatre and large hotels,
all more or less dating, so I was informed, from the time when Mussolini took charge
in Italy. Previous to this, it appears that it was impossible to obtain any assistance
from the Italian Colonial Office, but there is no doubt that latterly large sums of
money have been spent both at Asmara and Massaua in the endeavour to develop
this Italian Colony. On arrival at Asmara, the officers were housed at the principal
hotel, attended the Theatre and subsequently a dance at the Civil Club. The
following day the Commanding Officer called on Colonel Commandant Cona,
commanding Italian Forces in Eritrea, and subsequently H. E. the Governor of
Eritrea, Corrado Zoli, entertained the Commanding Officer and officers of
Clematis to lunch. During lunch, the Governor in the course of a speech
welcoming Clematis made particular reference to the anxiety felt by
the Italian nation as to the health of His Majesty Knm Georoe V, adding with
what respect and reverence H. M. was held, by all Italians °and praying for his
speedy recovery. A suitable reply was made. Later, the Governor enquired
as to the health of Sir Stewart Symes, remarking he hoped Resident, Aden, would
pay film a visit shortly. It appears from what Resident, Aden, told me before
leaving there that botn are anxious to meet to discuss the situation in the Yemen as
affecting British and Italian interests, with a view to coming to a <£ modus operand! ”
, h ^ °r f i ReS ™ e I lt5 Aden ’ wil1 1 ,rohab] y take place about the end of
CW™ 1 SlI /?i ln Mafte y> Governor General of the Soudan, is visiting the
have f Lntr ^ a . at Q t q Same c lme - The en( l ui *ies of the Governor of Eritrea
have been conveyed to Bir Stewart Symes by separate letter.
Officer muf^offieel^nf ^wV 10Ur ^ P ait ^ retume d to Massaua by car and Commanding
their honour bv Red 1 e p natls . ^ len ^tended a dinner at 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. given in
honour by Resident Commissioner Cancilla and Madame Cancilla. A football