§ Major CRAWFURDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Imam Yehya of Sana, is anxious to have a treaty of goodwill concluded between His Britannic Majesty and himself so that his territories may be opened up to commerce; and whether negotiations for this treaty can be accelerated so that this country can, at an early date, have the benefit of increased trade with the Yemen?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORENegotiations with the ruler referred to have been in 987W progress for some time past. It has now been decided to depute a British officer, Sir Gilbert Clayton, to visit the Imam's capital in order to bring the negotiations to a conclusion. Sir G. Clayton is proceeding on his mission at once. He expects to reach Aden on the 23rd December.