Smoldering, long-standing animosity between King Abdullah of Transjordan and King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia flared up today as bloody clashes of frontier patrols occurred on the border between the two countries, and Transjordan appealed to Britain for military reinforcements.
The frontier skirmishes developed following the expulsion from Saudi Arabia of a personal envoy sent by the King of Transjordan on a mission to discuss important proposals with King Ibn Saud. Not only did the ruler of Saudi Arabia refuse to consider the proposals, but he ordered the emissary from Transjordan to leave the country immediately.
The incident, which is considered a personal insult to the ruler of Transjordan, created tension not only between the two Arab kings, but also among Arab tribes along the frontiers of the two countries. The tension is reported mounting hourly to a point where the ruler of Transjordan found it necessary today to approach the British military authorities for additional forces to strengthen the Camel Corps which were formed recently for the purpose of maintaining order along Transjordan frontiers.
Indicative of the situation is the fact that King Abdullah is avoiding placing the conflict before the Arab League which claims to speak in behalf of all Arab countries. Arab leaders in Palestine are especially embarrassed by the conflict since only yesterday they circulated a report that all the Arab countries are so strongly united in their opposition to Zionism that they are planning the eventual formation of a “United States of Arabia” composed of eight Arab countries in a loosely-knit federation.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
