Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Friday 11 May 1934, page 9


BRITISH SAILORS

Protect Merchants at Hodeida

Business Resumed When Bluejackets

Land

CALCUTTA May 16 I

A dramatic story of how a small British naval force protected Indian I traders at Hodcida In Yemen which was

captured by the Wallaby (Ibn Saud) Motors has reached India When the Saudis advanced on Hodelda on April 29 the Yemeni Government officials fled , some into the interior and others to the British island of Ixameran off the coast where they were interned Thousands of

fierce nomadic tribesmen gathered on the outskirts of the town gravely threatening the safety of the wealthy Indian community of 300 men women and children who sent urgent messages to Aden and Jedda asking for British protection

Within 24 hours the sloop Penzance which was patrolling the Red Sea watching for arms smugglers and slave traders arrived at the town and landed a party of sailors At the same time three R A F planes from Aden reconnoitred the town. The sailors found the shops closed and the streets deserted but the town officials emboldened by the presence of the British harangued the waiting tribesmen and warned them of the penalty of sacking the town whereupon the tribesmen intried some distance

After greeting the sailors joyfully the Indians and other traders reopened their shops which the tribesmen made no attempt to loot

For four days the sloop was guarded by British subjects In the meantime many of the citizens who had fled to Name an Island returned

When the Saudi forces entered Hodeida on May 6 the Penzance was relieved by the cruiser Enterprise As the fighting continues the presence of a naval force is still necessary but the Saudis have guaranteed the safety of British subjects They have expressed appreciation of the action of the Penzance in presenting the town from the tin horsemen until they took

over

Leaders of the Indian community have expressed in the strongest terms their (gratitude to their present is