"ملف ١١/٢ يوميّات وتقارير: سلسلة الجزيرة العربية" [ظ‎‎١‎١] (٢٢٢/٢٢)

11. In view, however, of the uncertainty that must, in the nature of Arab
tribal polity, still exist as to the actual accession of an heir-apparent on the death
of a ruling Chief, I consider that official recognition of a pre-elected successor would
seldom be effective, and ought not to be accorded.
12. While, therefore, I am sympathetic towards the efforts of the Sultan of
Lahej to protect the admirable results of his organisation and industry in Lahej from
disintegration at the hands of a less able, and possibly hostile, successor who might
be elected from another branch of the family, after his death, I do not recommend
any departure, on our part, from the existing procedure in regard to succession.
13. I propose, therefore, subject to your approval, to limit myself to informing
His Highness that the election has been noted, but that formal recognistion of his
successor must be deferred until the latter s actual accession to the feultanate ;
and I intend to avoid the use of any expression that would imply a guarantee by
His Majesty’s Government of the arrangement that has been made.
( 20 )
(Received on 17th June 1933, with Political Secretary’s letter No. 22, dated the 1st
June 1933.)
Enclosure in Colonial Office covering latter, dated the 22nd May 1933 No. b.
27033/II/S. 6.
Letter from the Air Ministry, to the Colonial Office, No. S. 27003/
Pt. II/S. 6, dated the 22nd May 1933.
I am commanded by the Air Council to refer to Colonial Office letter No.
17963/33, dated the 17th May [Serial No. (19)], forwarding a copy of a despatch
from the Resident at Aden regarding the succession to the Sultanate of Lahej and
to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies,
that they are in agreement with the procedure proposed.
Copies of this letter are being sent to the Foreign Office and India Office.
( 21 )
{Received one 24th June 1933, with Political Secretary’s letter No. 23, dated the 8th
June 1933.)
Letter from the Foreign Office, to the Clonial Office, No. E. 2581/299/91,
DATED THE 26TH May 1933.
With reference to your letter No. 17963/33 of the 17th May [Serial No. (19)
regarding the succession to the Sultanate of Lahej, I am directed by Secretary
Sir John Simon to request you to inform Secretary Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister, that
he concurs in the proposal to approve the course of action suggested by the
Resident at Aden in paragraph 13 of his confidential despatch No. 65 of the 22nd
March [Enclosure to ihid\
2. Copies of this letter are being sent to the India Office and the Air Ministry.
( 22 )
Letter from the Foreign Office, to the India Office, No. E. 3014/347/65,
DATED THE 12TH JUNE 1933.
With reference to your letter No. P.Z. 3310/33 of June 8th, and to our talk
on June 10th, about my draft memorandum on the question of Arab unity, I now
enclose a copy of the memorandum as modified as a result of your letter and of
our conversation. I am submitting this memorandum to my higher authorities
here, but do not yet know whether it will be approved.
I am sending copies of the enclosed revised draft to Parkinson at the Colonial
Office, and, at his suggestion, to Peirse at the Air Ministry, with the necessary
explanations.