"ملف 8/7 I تقارير الاستخبارات في جدة" [ظ‎‎٧‎٤] (٥٣٦/١٤٨)

6
similar trade across the Iraq frontier, as one might be led to expect, discussion
of the blockade, in which this argument might have been used, has not been
renewed at Jedda. But it is now clear that argument will take as little effect on
Ibn Saud as an appeal to his good nature. There is reason to believe that he is
bent on reducing Koweit, by hook or by crook, to a state of dependence on himself,
an attitude which it will take some more material lever to correct.
Bahrein Transit Dues.
304. Dues recently levied on goods from India delivered overside at Bahrein
in transhipment to the Nejdi mainland having been paid by Ibn Saud’s agents
without demur, it was decided that it was unnecessary formally to denounce the
old concession of 1920 (vide paragraphs 49. 191 and 255).
.4 sir and the Yemen.
305. There has been no disturbance apparent in the one nor impairment
of relations with the other.
III. —Foreign Relations.
General.
International Health Bureau.
306. Two Saudi Arab delegates sailed on the 9th September to attend the
Paris October meetings for the first time, one a Syrian doctor with a murderous
reputation, the other a Syrian jack of all trades, who has hitherto been employed
in buying arms.
Great Britain.
His Majesty's Minister.
307. Sir Andrew Ryan left Jedda in H.M.S. Penzance on the 2nd September
for three and a half months’ leave of absence. Mr. Hope Gill assumed the duties
of Charge d’Affaires.
General.
308. There was a welcome relaxation in relations from the close contacts
of the previous three months necessitated by the rebellion. The progress made
in matters affecting Transjordan, pilgrimage, and slavery is reported in
chapters II, VII and VIII.
Claims.
309. No progress was made, in spite of considerable haggling between the
Ministry of Finance and the Shell Company's agents, supported by the Legation,
for the settlement of the benzine debt of a year back.
France.
310. The French Charge d'Affaires, M. Maigret, went on short leave on
the 14th September, leaving the French consulate in the charge of a Syrian clerk.
Italy.
311. Commendatore Ottavio de Peppo, first Italian Minister to this country,
reached Jedda on the 25th September and presented his credentials two days later.
He is accompanied by a diplomatic secretary, M. Tonci, who has served in
Morocco and Tunis and knows some Arabic.
312. On his passage down the Red Sea to Eritrea in October, the King of
Italy exchanged wireless greetings with Ibn Saud.
313. Some more virulent anti-Italian propaganda in Arabic was received
during September in the Legation, and no doubt elsewhere, by post from Syria
(vide July-August report 1931, paragraph 57).