Page 127 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

Part V-Chop. XXVI. 105
222. The prisoners consisting of the Chief Hasaan-bin-Aii and one hundred
and sixty-nine followers proceeded in the transports to Ras-ul-Khima where
thoy wore lodged in, a place of security. This mode of disposing of all
prisoners was adopted as it combined a more perfect degree of security, with
tho most becoming pledge to the world that these prisoners would be treated
with duo humanity until they could, from an improving state of society, be
with safety set at largo. Considerable political advantages would, on Sir
William Keir’s opinion, likewise arise out of tho British Government holding
in its immediate power, instead of delivering over to an ally, however devoted,
or even placing in our commercial factory at Bushire in a foreign territory, so
many individuals belonging to an unsettled country over which the influence
arising out of the numerous and powerful tie of kindred may be exerted to
introduce order and civilization, when it became known that the release of
those individuals still kept on this spot surrounded by the sympathies and
even enjoying tho good offices of their relations and friends, depended entirely
upon an abandonment of evil pursuits which the British Government had
evinced, so decided a determination to abolish for ever.
223-224. The capture of Ras-ul-Khima placed the British troops in posses­
sion of all the vessels and craft at that time in the creek, and it appeared to
8ir . William that their immediate destruction under present circumstances
would not be absolutely necessary, as it was probably with a different view of
the subject from that which had now been opened, that the Government had
directed the “ demolition of the piratical vessels and craft ” in the Gulf.
225. The . employment of those kept in the service of Government, or i^
any other legitimate manner, would, Sir William thought, equally with their
destruction deprive the pirates of their use, and ho considered this deprivation
to be the object and spirit of the command to destroy them. Under this view
of the subject he retained the whole of the vessels, until he should receive the
further instructions of the Governor in Council.
226. In consequence of the great soarcity of good water which involved
the necessity of bringing it from a distance for the use of the troops, and the
general want of supplies that would arise when the fleet might leave this, as
well as from a contemplation of the necessity of occasionally moving to various
places on the coast apart of the garrison of Ras-ul-Khima, or any other troops
that might be left in the Gulf, it was resolved to employ nine of the captured
boats best adapted to the purpose of relieving the above-mentioned wants.

(Ill) DESIGNS OF PERSIA AND HASKAT ON BAHREIN.
227. After reporting the facts detailed above, Sir William Grant Keir
Volume 62—49 of 1820-1821, page 159. added :—
27. I am inclined to believe that the Persian Government have long been desirous of
obtaining possession of the Island of Bahrein under an impression of its great riches and
resources, which ore considered to arise principally from the pearl fishery.
28. His Highness the Imam of Maskat informs me that he had repeatedly urged that
Government to undertake a joint expedition for the purpose of plaoiog him in possession of
this island, aud that he had agreed to supply ships and vessels for the purposs of transporting
their united armies across the Gulf. His Highness was solicited about two months ago by
the Prince of Shiraz to prepare his ships, but he replied that he was then engaged with
the British Government in the suppression of piracy, and that his ships consequently could not
be spared. The Imam might have given his reply from having been disappointed by the
Persian Government for the two last seasons when the promised army had not been equipped,
yet I still think that the avmy now said bo be marching towards the coast has been moved
under an expectation that the Imam will be induced to transport it to Bahrein; at all events
this will be the ostensible and alleged reason of the movement, although the real causes of it
raay. be the jealousy exoited by the knowledge of His Highness's desire to repossess himself of
this island, and the proximity of a British army with whioh His Highness is in striot
co-operation.
29. By the messenger nbove mentioned tho Imam has received a seoond application fo*
his ships ; to this he has replied that if the Prince of Shiraz would pledge on oath not again to
deceive him respecting the promised army, and likewise to reimburse his expenses, he will
proceed accordingly to wherever the army may be assembled.