مجموعة ٦ / ٨ (١) "سلسلة مطبوعة: ١٩٢٩ إلى ١٩٣٨". [و‎‎٥‎٢‎٤] (١٠٦٢/١٠٥٢)

Section * B \
. M S S Tn^ Tlie ?° ming follo 1 win g a ^i v al the usaal official visits to Commis
sioner, Port Officer,, etc., were exchanged. No salutes were fired by request. On
Clematis last visit to Massawa in January 1929 [“ Clematis ” Report of Pro
ceedings No. 114/76 of 17th February 1929, Enclosure to Serial No. (14)] a cordial
invitation had been extended by the authorities at Asmara, that on a future visit
we should send up a Footoall team to play their best team. It was with this
in mind that I had discussed matters with Resident, Aden, and called on Dr. Medici,
the Italian Consul, at Aden (reference “ Clematis ” report of Proceedings, No. 114/
78 of 11th June 1929). In the interval between leaving Aden and arrival at Massa
wa, Dr. Medici, had made all necessary arrangements and the Commissioner, Cam-
cilia, was so kind as to inform me that a special train was at our disposal whenever
required. Further, that H. E. the Governor hoped that we would bring up as
many officers and men as we liked and that he would be very pleased to look
after them ; I therefcre decided to send one Football team—the ship’s Volunteer
band and 2 Chief Petty Officers. More had been suggested by them but on
consideration I thought this number sufficient. The party left the next morning
by ordinary train, accompanied by myself, three officers and two officers of the
Italian Gunboat “ Lepanto ” detailed to act as Liaison Officers. On arrival at
Asmara, the officers were received that evening by H. E. the Governor who had
previously sent his Staff Officer to greet them at the station. A dance in honour
of the British Officers was held at the Military Club, the same evening. The
Chief Petty Officers and Petty Officers composing the party were accommodated
at an hotel and entertained at the Sergeants’ Mess of the 3rd Battalion,
Ascari Regiment, the other ratings being accommodated at another hotel. Friday
and Saturday were spent in motor tours of the surrounding country by the officers
and ratings, the Football match taking place on Sunday. It was essential to allow
an interval’of the two days to elapse after arrival of Football team at Asmara to
accustom them to the difference in height of Asmara (8,000 ft.) and sea-level. Sub
sequent to this interval, no adverse effects were felt and all ranks and ratings
derived much benefit from the spring-like weather experienced at Asmara, me
Football match, attended by some 2,500 spectators, including the Governor and
principal officers of the Garrison and their families resulted m a wm for Ctema
ihr ^ 9 crnals after a very good match. On conclusion of the match, a bihmr Lap,
by 3-2 goals, alter a veiy guuu ^resented bv me to the Asmara
which had been subscribed for by tne men, w^s presemeu uy m.
team This created considerable enthusiasm.
The previous day, Saturday, the officers ‘“f “hh^e SoftleVel
Government House, followed by an entertomept at * ™ t g men ,
Cross. A voluntary subscription of occasion, to this cause,
in return for complimentary boxes the usual official toasts, of the
A dance concluded the evening. ■ , , the Governor and myself, and
Kings of Great Britain and Italy, wer P I _ thanking His Excellency for the
subsequently a short speedy was l n „ G men 0 f “ Clematis ” to Asmara,
wonderful welcome he had given ne s p eeo h was translated and
and Wishing prosperity to the colony f The speeeil wa , well
given in Italian by the Liaison Officer, Lieutm H U 1 C omm. dott Mania
Leived and, in fact, both the very smart and able man,
Mutinelli, Secretary General and A i J impress on me on several oc-
I should imagine), seemed f. ^Vrelatkms between Great Britain, Eritrea and
casions, the necessity for friendly r “ a ;, k , ntity 0 f their interests in the Red
the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, m vievv o. , y { tl men who desired to do
S a generally On Sunday, the officers and hose ot ^ ^ f( at
VSgSZGSZ Co “”"■
form A letter of thanks has since
mg the Forces of Eritrea, Armellun. _ „ Jazz Band was in great
Throughout the visit to A—^ Cjema, danceSj taking
demand and played by requeu d ing selections.
it in turns with the local band m ren theoffieers returning tne next day.
The ratings returned on board on Mono J