Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-08-24
AUTOS NOW IN Use
On DESERT TRACTS
OlspIacing Camels in King
a1m of Hejaz Is Report
Made by Observer.

Automobile caravans are displacing
Arabian Kingdom Of Hejaz, according TO
o statement issued by the Department
Of commerce, based on information
from the automotive commissioner in
the Near East, Ralph F. Chesbrough.
In four years. the report says, auto
motive products, mainly from the
United States, have become second in
value in the country's imports.
King Ibn Saud now travels at the
head Of an automobile caravan when
ever he fares forth from his capital,
and pilgrims now make the long jour-
ney to Mecca behind q steering wheel
In fact, the report points out, the fol-
lowers of certain chiefs whose caravans
have become motorized have to aban-
don their camels for four or six cylin-
ders In order to keep UP with the pro-
cession on wheels.
Increase In Autos Cited.
The department goes on to say:
The material increase In motor trans
portation during recent years In the
Arabian Kingdom OF the Hejaz, Nejd
and Dependencies foretells the growing
Importance Is an automobile market OF
that former part Of the Ottoman Em-
pire where the motor car driver is sup
planting the cameleer and American
automobiles are speeding pilgrimages to
Mecca, according to report received In
the Department of Commerce from
Ralph r. Chesbrough, automobile trade
commissioner to the Near East.
Only few years ago the motor car
was virtually unknown in this part Of
Arabia; the first record Of an imported
automobile Is dated at the end OF 1925.
BY january, 1880, however. nearly $500
motor vehicles had been imported into
the country.
The King, Tbn saud. was the owner of
IN American car, one Of his sheikhs was
chief Of the royal motor transport Of
about 250 vehicles: several transport
companies were operating and the new
the story Of the waning importance Of
the traditional camel and donkey.
Horse and Camel Crowded Out.
Before the advent Of the automobile
IN EIejaz, the King and leading desert
rulers Travelled over their domains by
horse or camel, followed by retinues Of
chieftains discovered that the high
powered motor car offered more rapid
and comfortable means Of travel and
began TO use them, their followers on
horseback found themselves outdis-
tanced and were obliged to purchase
cars also. Today II Is not uncommon
In Hejaz to witness feet Of 30 or 40
cars accompanying the King or other
high dignitaries on 0 cross-country trip.
Present Area Of Kingdom.
The Kingdom Of Heiaz, until the
world War Q part Of the Ottoman EN-
psfe. has an area Of about 100000 square
miles, o coast line on the Red Sea Of
900 miles and ON the Persian Gun OF
approximately 800.
The country has population OF
about 100000. Of which two-thirds are
desert nomads and the remaining one
third are BeIladi or city dweiiers. In
addition to this figure are about 100000
foreign pilgrims who spend from two 10
ain months in the country each year.
The important cities are Jedda. the
chief port, with q population OF about
30. 600; Mecca, IS miles east Of Jedda,
the most holy city OF Islam, with
normal population OF shout 60'OO0. nus
visited every year by 5000 70 l2OuOo
Mosiem pilgrims from AL over the
world.
Estimated Value Of Imports.
Although no accurate record Of guam
cities and values Of imports are Kept py
he Hejaz government accorning 70
categcries, the consensus OF opinion OF
tina customs auJnOrILles, 4OIclSh Coh
sIIafes. the leading importing firms and
the only foreign bank ia the country Is
that these total from $4,000, 600 TO $l5,-
O0O, 900 yearly.
AZ least 10 per cent Of this value con-
sists OF essential food products; THESE
ara followed In order by automotive
products, tires, accessories ana alieu
tines estimated at about 10000 yearly
in value; gasoline. kerosene and oils at
imports into the Hejas from the
United states by direct or indirect ship.
mert are estimated TO have totaieo
during 1920 about $43S,o0o. In oroer
Of value these imports were passenger
cars and trucks, tires and tubes. spare
parts and accessories, gasoline ana
kerosene. and under miscellaneous.
SEWING machines, pumps, lighting ano
power plants. electric refriseratoEs ana
r. Is estimated that the United STATES
contributes za per cent. OF these cate.
ceries. Many OF these articles are
rs,rchased through dealers in Egypt,
india and other intermediate countries.