IOR/L/PS/18/B216

The file contains an introduction by Major-General Sir George John Younghusband, Political Resident, Aden, introducing two memoranda written by Lieutenant Harold Fenton Jacob, First Assistant Resident, Aden. They are addressed to the Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Political Department, it concerns Italian influence in the Red Sea, and how it is affecting Arabia after the Second World War.

Enclosure No. 1 'Memorandum on the employment by Italians at Mogadiscio of Askaris from Arabia', dated 8 September 1915, Aden. It concerns an interview held with Colonel Bodrero of the Italian Benadir Colonial Service on the training of Arabs, and their fighting value.

Enclosure No. 2 'Memorandum on the Political Policy of our Hinterland', dated 9 September 1915, Aden. It outlines what will happen politically if Turkey was to retire from Yemen, these being: the Imam of Sanaa [Ṣanʻā'] shifting his headquarters southwards, and taking hold of relinquished areas; conflicting interests of Imam and Idrisi Saiyid of Sabia; and amendments to British policy on expansion and previous agreements with Idrisi and Ibn Nasir Mukbil. Jacob also puts forward his own opinions of the rulers and the Arabs; and suggests future actions such as a strategic railway, raising levies, educating the sons of chieftains, and introducing medical missions.