File 1707/1924 ‘Arabia:- Jeddah Situation Reports. (1924-1930)’ [‎185v] (375/898)

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there are r_ that ^ intents ^
opportunity presented rtslff the Hejazis might well allow themselves to be carried
away by 4 th ^ posts, and it is difficult to
see how to aOay the suspicion irich has arisen in this connection. At the moment
the two Governments disagree as to the exact geographica position of the post at
Busa vah and it is to be hoped that it will prove as easy to arrive at an amicable
settlement of the whole problem as it should be to determine the proximity of this
post to t! “ f"^ imself is obab i y under no delusion as to the state of the country
and it is doubtless with the object of rallying his su Pf^f^^rnThe
Mecca for an extended tour. It is of interest to note that by the time he leturns he
hopes to have overcome the difficulties with regard to the erection of wireless stations
throughout the kingdom and to be ready to give a decision on the proposed air
reconnaissance at Hasa. As an indication of the King s personal position it may
be added that Ibn Bujad is now reported to be in the closest terms of fnendshrp with
His Jyjesty^ ^ with the exception of the Busaiyah question
and a slight set-back with the Italians, progress has been general.
10. Arrangements are now complete for the departure of Hafez Wahba the
King’s delegate, to Koweit, where a formal mutual cancellation of the Iraq-Nej
frontier ^^^“^ Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan frontier is similarly clearing up T Ibn
Saud lias now asked His Majesty's Government to adjudicate on the old Trans-
jordan-Nejd frontier claims, binding himself to accept their decision, of the justice
of whmh k® I® a J^a future claims which may arise the King suggests that
a British arbitr ator be appointed. He only stipulates that the official shall not be
connected with Palestine Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan or Iraq, explaining that even British officials,
of whose honesty there is no doubt, are liable to a bias m the direction ol the Govei -
he'question of Italian recognition of Ibn Saud has caused a mW
sensation In September last the Italian consul in Jeddah informed the King that
his Government were prepared to grant unconditional recognition and suggested
a preliminary informal meeting in Eritrea. Before the meeting could take place
however, the'conclusion of the Treaty of Mecca by which Ibn Sand extended h
sway to Asir was announced. The Italians viewed the changed situation with (tep
concern. Consequently, when the King’s representative-an admitted mconipeted
—arrived at Asmara, lie found an atmosphere very different from that he had
led to expect, and was soon sent back with the news that Asir must be excluded fro
any ^ eat ^j ot f j tbstalK jing their extraordinary choice in the matter of a dejegafe. ty
Kino- and his Foreign Secretary were much mortified by this abrupt end to
thev°seem to have token to be a pleasant social function. Their experience of ^
italian““hould have taught thenVbetter. Fortunately the price of their creduh yus
not likely to be a heavy one, and the negotiations will now probably be postpo
until the return of the King to Mecca. ^ T , , • • t |, e
15 The dispute between the Red Sea Petroleum Company and the ' . t
Farsan Islands fas taken on a brighter aspect. The King’s offer to artoate
between the rival claimants has been accepted, and his delegate is expected
to leave Jizan for the hearing. v , i nrom ise for
16. Meanwhile the opening of the pilgrim season, with its blessed prom
the empty Treasury, is approaching^ Advice has been /^Xo °u^n p&.
from Odessa of a vessel bearing the first of the promised 10 000 Rms
Official interest in the Haj is stirred into anticipating a record seas .
pilgrims and to issuing a new set of dues,, a list of which . ^ • progressing
' 17. The King’s plan for the provision of next year s holy “jot w course
favourably. A splendid new workshop, estimated to cost £20,000 recentlj;
of erection at Mecca, and thirty-six weavers, under a year s contract for
arrived from India. All the signs indicate that His Majesty » exP re
a carpet better and costlier than Egypt ever supplied wi 11 b® ^alifd ined
1 n. Perhaps, however, the best pilgrimage news is the re P ort ““ f qhare in
efforts are being made to induce the British India Steamship Comp y