§ 26. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Prime Minister whether the officer in command of the troops at Hodeidah takes his orders from the War Office or from the Commander-in-Chief in India; whether the whole cost of maintaining this garrison falls entirely on the British Exchequer; what steps are being taken by the Foreign Office or the India Office, or both, to clear up the political situation in Yemen; whether steps will be taken to carry out the recommendations of Colonel Jacob at the conclusion of his mission to the Imam Maya; whether the British Government have recently entered into a new treaty with Dressy; and when British authority will be restored throughout the Aden protectorate?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Officer Commanding at Hodeidah takes his orders through the General Officer Commanding, Aden, from the War Office. The cost of maintaining the garrison is borne on Imperial funds. No treaty has been concluded with the Idrissi of A Sir since 1915. With regard to the remainder of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that until the Treaty of Peace with Turkey is ratified the status of the Yemen, which formed part of the Ottoman Empire, remains unchanged. The obstinate attitude of the Imam of Sanaa has hitherto nullified the attempts of His Majesty's Government to open relations with him. It is hoped that with the ratification of the Treaty an early settlement may be arrived at which will finally regularise the position on the borders of the Aden Protectorate.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many people who are of opinion that the Imam of Sanaa would now welcome further 20 advances from the British Government with a view to clearing up the situation and re-opening trade?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI hope that my hon. Friend's estimate of his attitude is accurate.