| WINTER 1961. |
| POSSIBLE POSTINGS: No. 4. by L.H.E. |
| MIDDLE EAST COMMAND |
| Aden, situated at the foot of the Arabian peninsula, is the headquarters of Middle East Command. The area of Command extends to Bahrein Island at the head of the Persian Gulf; in this part of the world distances are great and the coordination of air and sea communications is of the greatest importance. The Colony of Aden cannot be considered as separate from the extensive neighbouring Protectorates. The Eastern Protectorate has long been peaceful and manages its own affairs, whilst the Western Protectorate, where tribal wars flare up periodically is garrisoned by two Arab tribal forces, namely the Aden Protectorate Levies and the Federal National Guard. The Aden Protectorate Levies have recently been appointed to the Supreme Council of the Arab Amirates of the South, which is the governing body of the association of neighbouring Sultanates. |
| THE ARMY IN MIDDLE EAST COMMAND |
| The British Army is responsible for internal security of Aden Colony, and some elements are in support of the Aden Protectorate Levies. The Trucial Oman has its own Arab force, the Trucial Oman Scouts, to which British Officers and N.C.O.'s are seconded. |
| Headquarters Land Forces Persian Gulf is located at Bahrein, from where a watch is kept on the important tanker routes serving the oil-rich areas of the Middle East, which are vital to the economies of the United Kingdom and of Western Europe. |
| ADEN COLONY |
| Aden Colony draws its wealth from its port, which serves the majority of shipping on the Far Eastern and Australian routes; bunkering is provided by the oil refinery situated at Little Aden. Aden can be described as a colony of shopkeepers, for as Aden is a free port there is an important re-export trade, and a bustling trade is done with transit passengers. |
| In the Western Protectorate cotton is grown for export. Cotton thrives in the sandy soils at wadi estuaries. This is suited to the climate as the crop needs only to be flooded at the beginning of the season. Fishing also thrives and many Arab dhows can be seen along the Arabian coast. |
| SPARE TIME ACTIVITIES |
| The humid climate of Aden dictates that the working day should be short. Work starts early and finishes early, giving every opportunity for sport. Swimming is the most popular pastime, although soccer is also enjoyed and the league is always well supported. There is a sailing club and during the cool season a visit to the Khormaksar races is entertaining. |
| The highlands of the Western Protectorate enjoy a more moderate climate and traditional cultivation, with the advice of the Department of Agriculture, has successfully produced a wide range of crops. |
| There are leave schemes to both Nairobi and the White Highlands of Kenya, which at moderate prices offer good food and opportunities to visit wild game parks and follow every leisure pursuit. |
 |
||
BACK |
FORWARD |
|
Return To The Contents Page
If you have an old Leader Magazine then I would love to show it.
Email the Webmaster