مجموعة ٦ / ٨ (١) "سلسلة مطبوعة: ١٩٢٩ إلى ١٩٣٨". [ظ‎‎٣‎٥‎٤] (١٠٦٢/٧١٣)

131
•pwh me at only, is available at Aden, and as such meat cannot be put into
the refrigerator until all the frozen meat therein has been expended, it is neces-
sa?y to replenish as soon as possible after existing supplies are exhausted. Port
Sudan is the only place where supplies of already frozen meat can be obtained.
4 Aden —I had intended to leave Aden for Jibuti to embark Sir Harold and
LadyKittermaster on the 10th, but on the afternoon of that day I received in-
formation that they would not arrive at Jibuti until the afternoon of the 15th,
so l deterinlned to resume my patrol of the Gulf of Aden, and of the Straits of
Bab-el-Mand'eb.
5 The Sowabih or Brothers Islands were visited, the ship anchoring
off Sheikh Sevd and off Perim on the nights of the 11th and 12th, respectively,
The ceremony laid down for the observance of Armistice Day was carried out
at Sea on November 11th.
A careful look-out was kept at night for dhows approaching from the South-
ward but none were seen. The moon happened to be at the full during this
period, so that I did not anticipate the appearance of a slave dhow.
I put into Perim for water on the morning of the 14th, and sailed for Jibuti
next morning.
6 . Jibuti—I was met on arrival by the British Vice-Consul Mr. Salmon,
and arranged to call upon H. E. The Governor of French Somaliland next morn
ing.
M. Cochar'd, as always, was most friendly, and said how sorry he was that
the ship had not been in harbour on Armistice Day, as would have been the case
if Sir Harold Kittermaster had not been delayed.
After a religious ceremony in the early morning, followed by a parade of
ez-Service men, motor racing and acquatic sports were held, after which the
Governor gave a dinner, followed by a Ball at the Stade lasting till 4 a.m. I
heard afterwards that M. Cochard had wished for the presence of an English
ship to add life to the proceedings.
My call was returned by M. Algret, the Chef de Cabinet, and in the after
noon as many officers as could be spared were invited to a reception at Govern
ment House.
Sir Harold Kittermaster embarked about 7 p.m. and the ship left for Berbera
the same evening.
Sir Harold expressed his great relief to me that it was possible for him to
be granted a passage, as failing one of H. M. ships, it is necessary to travel by
steamers of the Cowasjee Dinshaw line. These vessels are very small, incon
ceivably dirty, and really quite unsuitable for the use of high officials and their
wives.
7. Berbera. —I had hoped to be able to remain two or three days at Berhera,
in the place of the visit which had been planned for the previous month. On
arrival, however, the Medical Officer of Health came on board, and stated that
the port was in quarantine for small-pox, and it was inadvisable for anyone to
land.
In conversation, the Governor of British Somaliland told me how much the
visits of British ships were appreciated by the inhabitants, and it is recommend
ed that if other duties permit, one of the Red Sea sloops should visit Zeila and
Berbera occasionally, as it seems probable that information, concerning the sla ^ 6
trade may be obtained by judicious enquiries.
The ship sailed for Aden directly the Governor of British Somaliland and
Lady Kittermaster had disembarked, to send an urgent cost case to the R. A. F.
hospital.
8 . Perim. Calls were exchanged with Mr. Davey, the Manager of the Coal
Company, and British Agent, who had just returned from leave.
102 tons of coal were received, after which opportunity was taken to pcabit
ship, exercise boat sailing, etc.
The Indian Police run a very anthusiastic hockey team, who are always very
imve^all beei^dravm* ^ gameB P la F ed against them up to the present