Jerusalem (Dec. 16)
It is reported here that the British Government has started negotiations with Saudi Arabia for permission to build a railroad that would link the Mediterranean seaport of Haifa to El Akaba on the Red Sea.
The report was given credence in informed circles as a result of a British representative’s visit to King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia.
The British agent is also reported to have discussed with Ibn Saud the possibility of constructing aerodromes at various sites along the Persian Gulf.
Both railroad and airports would have tremendous strategic value in case of war. The railroad would be particularly valuable to Great Britain since it would provide a route from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea in the event that the war affected the Suez Canal. Recently the Arab press reported that such a railroad was being secretly constructed by the British Government.