"ملف ١١/٢ يوميّات وتقارير: سلسلة الجزيرة العربية" [و‎‎٧‎٣] (٢٢٢/١٤٥)

Arrived KAMARAN at 1000 on 12 th August.
Kamaran 12-15th August —
7. The Acting Administrator, Dr. Chohan, informed me that he had
received a communication from the Governor of Hodeida, Abdullah Wazir,
pointing out that a number of Yemeni subjects, chiefly from Loheiya, who
had recently left the mainland for Kamaran, had not yet returned. As the
majority of them owed money in Loheiya, he (Wazir) would be very grateful
if they could be ordered to leave Kamaran forthwith.
8 . Dr. Chohan caused an immediate census to be taken, which re
vealed the fact that there was no less than 16 men and 172 women and
children from Loheiya and 20—25 women and children from Khoba
still remaining in Kamaran. They were dispersed in small groups
throughout the native village, unknown evidently, to the Administrator,
Captain Wickham, who had reported Kamaran clear of refugees some weeks
previously.
9. An immediate announcement was made by town crier that they
would all have to leave within 48 hours, and in spite of arguments, protests
and excuses, the sergeant of police was able to report that they were all
afloat and clear of Kamaran Harbour at the expiration of this period, viz.,
noon on 14th August. Abdullah Wazir was informed accordingly.
# ** هذه التواريخ تقريبية *##*
Aden, 22nd-30th August .—
16. . y . . .
Sailed for Hodeida at 0900 on 30th August, having previously embark
ed the Political Mission consisting of Lieut.-Colonel M. C. Lake, Political
Secretary, Wing Commander R. H. Knowles, Medical Officer; Lieutenant
G. M. T. Morphew. R. A. (attached) and six native orderlies and servants.
Hodeida Slst Aug./ 2nd Se'p .—
17. Arrived at Hodeida at 1400 on 31st August, saluting with 21 guns
before anchoring. (Hodeida is now again a saluting port). A boat was
atonce sent in for Seleh Jaffer, the Political Clerk, who came off with all
information as to the arrangements which had been made as regards land
ing, calls, etc. He was followed shortly afterwards by the Secretary to
Abdullah Wazir, who sent his greetings and welcome.
The Mission, accompanied by myself, left the ship at 1530. Lieut.,
Colonel lake, as Head of the Mission, being accorded as salute of 13 guns.
Large crowds thronged the waterfront to witness the landing and a full
sized guard of honour was drawn up outside the house allocated to the
Mission for the night. Here Abdullah Wazir received us most affably and
with genuine pleasure, whilst a brass band played selections beneath the
window.
18. After about twenty-five minutes, Abdullah Wazir, proceeded
to the Palace where he subsequently received the Mission again. I excused
myself from this second call, and also from the dinner which was provided
for the Mission at their house.
19. I cannot refrain from mentioning the rusty ladder , which
constitutes the official landing place. The ladder had disintegrated, and
the part which remained above water leant, unsecured, against the jetty
at a broad angle Consequently, as the boat rose with the swell, so we were
borne further from our first objective. The alternatives were a soaking
when the boat was alongside in the trough, or a leap when the boat was
well (dear cn the crest. Neither of these alternatives was conducive to
dignity, particularly as we were suitably dressed for calling and were being
watched by hundreds of pairs of eyes. Having gained the ladder, the