ARAB CONFLICT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 106, 7 May 1934, Page 7

ARAB CONFLICT.

BRITAIN CALLED IN. Quarrel Between Hejaz and Imam of Yemen. CRUISERS SENT TO ADEN. (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) CAIRO, May 6. Owing to the continuance of the hostility between Yahya Muhammad Hamid-ud-Din, Imam of Yemen, in the south-west corner of Arabia, and the King of Saudi Arabia, Ibn Saud, Britain has responded to an appeal for assistance. A few weeks ago Ibn Saud ordered his son the Crown Prince to reoccupy townships on the hills of the Tihaina, or coast lands, which the Imam, of Yemen had seized. . • As the result of Ibn Saud's order the Wahabis made a sweeping invasion of y.emen tovvurd Hodeida, the chief port, which the Imam Yahya's troops evacuated after looting the ammunition store and Customs shed.

A revolution is reported to have broken out in the capital city, Sana, owing to lack of food. Prince Seiful Islam, heir apparent, has fled.

The Imam has asked King Fuad of Egypt to intervene. The British authorities at Aden dispatched the sloop Penzance, eight aeroplanes and armed native police to Hodeida.

The British cruiser Enterprise also left Mombasa, Kenya Colony, bound for Aden.

The Penzance arrived at Hodeida, where she transferred British and Indian residents and 300 foreigners to Kamaran Island.

Ibn Sand is not likely to accept the suggested mediation of King Fuad because Egypt hitherto has riot recognised Ibn Sand's Government.

The Imam Yahya delivered a moving address to the War Council at Sana, after which it was decided to defend the capital to the last gasp.

A message from Rome states, that three Italian warships have been dispatched from the Red Sea to Hodeida to protect Italian interests.