File 1707/1924 ‘Arabia:- Jeddah Situation Reports. (1924-1930)’ [‎189v] (383/898)

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trouble in Asir was undoubtedly caused by the Italians with the object of ousting
the British Oil Company and establishing themselves in its stead. Ibn Sand renewed
his offer to mediate between the oil company and the Idnsi if His Majesty’s
Grovernment wished. Seyyid IVlurgham, who has no official position here, but acts
as general adviser to the King on Asir and \ emen affairs, informed me, on the
occasion of a friendly visit, that the Asir chiefs had been deceived by Seyyid Mustafa,
who had, unknown to the company, promised on its behalf more than he was
authorised to offer. Xhe Idrisi understood the situation, but stood in awe of the
chiefs and was afraid to insist on their keeping to the letter of the written contract.
A wireless apparatus has recently been ordered for erection at Jizan, and Ibn Sand
intends to keep in close touch with events.
5. After some hesitation, the King agreed to the proposal made through the
agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. that Nejd—Iraq and Iraq—Nejd claims should be wiped out, and that delegates
should merely meet to record their agreement to this mutual cancellation of claims.
In order that neither side should feel that the other had given anything away, it was
agreed that letters putting forward the proposal should be addressed simultaneously
by the King and the High Commissioner in Iraq. This solution, besides affording
an immense saving of labour, time and worry, removes a potential source of
considerable friction and ill-feeling.
6. The solution proposed for the settlement of Nejd- 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 claims,
namely, that the first assistant to the Chief British representative at Amman should
be appointed to arbitrate, does not, in spite of every endeavour on the part of the
agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. , commend itself to Ibn Saud. He agrees fully with the principle of a British
arbitrator and would willingly accept his awards, but he feels strongly that he
cannot, without providing hostile criticism among the Nejdis, consent to the
appointment of an arbitrator officially employed in 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 . He does not
question the integrity of any British official, but begs that an entirely neutral
British officer may be chosen from Egypt, Aden or the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
7. Many schemes for the improvement of conditions in Jeddah have been
discussed, notably the lighting of the harbour and the improvement of the present
landing stage and customs and quarantine sheds. It is hoped to induce the King
to provide the necessary capital for the erection of a lighthouse and beacons. He
has already given instructions to the British engineer in charge of the condenser
to supply the agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. with certain information required by Trinity House, and has
promised to consider the question favourably when the final estimate is submitted.
There is hope that if facilities can be arranged, he will eventually give his consent
to the proposal.
8. There is a growing feeling among Hejazis that a far larger proportion of
the revenue accruing from the pilgrimage should be devoted by Ibn Saud to purposes
in the Hejaz, and that Nejd is getting more than its fair share. The criticism is
probably justified, though in fairness to Ibn Saud it must be remembered that he
owes his position and his power to maintain order in the Hejaz (the fundamental
cause of the increased revenue) to his Nejdi supporters.
9. The King is contemplating the formation under Government auspices of a
transport company with a capital of £50,000 and disposing of 200 cars and lorries
to cope with the pilgrimage traffic next year. The richer and more influential Hejaz
merchants are being invited to participate. They have responded to the invitation^
though with little enthusiasm, as there is a strong feeling that the cars will be used
when necessity arises for military purposes.
10. Among recent orders placed with British firms may be noted a Eolls-Royce
for His Majesty’s personal use, a wireless receiving and transmitting set, a steam
roller and twenty-four perambulators for the airing of the Royal infants, said to
number forty-two.
11. The ice plant, of which mention is made in the Jeddah report for ^
now to be ready cc on a Friday.” • . ,.
12. During the period under review, no slaves have been repatriated by tin
agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. .