Page 237 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

Part VI—Chap. XLIV.] 215
flourishing place, aud would, I t>eliove, excepting Bharcin (and possibly Bush ire), provo a moro
valuable settlement than any uthor place in tho Gulf.
I have tho honour to be, etc.,
T. EDMUNDS,
Atilt. Resident, Persian Gulf.
391. Tho observations and suggestions made by Captain Donnell in his
letter dated 12th October 1839 on this report are interesting, and it is quoted
below
Herewith I have the honour to enclose, for the information of the Honourable tho
Governor in Council, tho accompanying extract from Lieutenant Edmunds* report to me of his
visit to Koweit and Fulcoja, under dato tho Gth instant.
2. It was with regret I noticed tho great want of oivility exhibited by Sheik Jabir
towards Mr. Edmunds, the more 60, as the friendly tone of his correspondence by no means
led me to anticipate such alack of hospitality and attention. I am inclined to coincide in tho
opinion oxpresswl by my assistant that the old Chief probably wished Khorshid Pasha to bo
made aware of tho little consideration given to tho English in Koweit. In fact Sheik Jabir,
like the ruler of Bahrein, appears completely ovorawed by tho extraordinary success attending
Mahomed Ally's raeasuros, and evidently possesses but a very inadequate idea of tho power of
Great Britaiu.
3. It is certainly desirable that somo notico should bo taken of tho uncourteous behaviour
. , of tho Governor of Koweit, and tho suggestion
rle l* Mr- protection
of British protection. from hls ye8'.cIa' 0r declining to recover any
property piratically takon from them, might
not be tho least efficacious method of shewing him how much the increasing commercial
prosperity of his town has been fostered and promoted by the suppression of piracy, and the
maintenance of the tranquillity of tho Gulf by the policy pursued by tho British Government.
Among other reasons, however, whioli render mo reluctant to recommend the adoption of the
measure suggested, there is one of greater weight than tho rest, namely, the risk of reviving, and
giving strength to those habits of piracy and rapine, which although now by our vigorous
policy apparently so successfully repressed among the maritime tribes of this Gulf are still
only dormant; and wore it generally known that aggressions upou the trado of a commercial
port like Koweit would be overlooked by us, would, it is to be feared, speedily regain their
former strength. Moreover, as justly remarked by Mr. Kdmuads. the conduct of Sheik Jabir
although unfriendly in so evidently preferring a connexion with tho Egyptians to ontering into
closer relations with us, i9 not so reprehensible as that of others, who have treaties with us,
and who have been made expressly aware of the views of the British Government in opposing
the extension of Mahomed Ally's influence in this direction. If any one of the Chiefs of this
Gulf deserves more than another to be deprived of the advantages of our protection, it is tho
Sheik of Bahrein ; the commerce of whoso island, were it not for us, would soon be most
seriously injured, but who, although well aware of this circumstance, has deliberately thrown
himself into tho hands of tho Egyptians, notwithstanding his being assured of our support
and aid, in the maintenance of his own independence.
4. With regard to tho Sheik of Koweit I shall address a letter to him animadverting upon
fu, . , a. .. ev u his want of courtesy to an officer of the British
8 0 or o iei o owe,. Residency specially deputed to him, and intimate
that it is my intention to bring this oiroumstance, and his not having returned the salute of an
English vessel of war, to tho notice of the Government.
(V) ENUNCIATION OF THE POLICY OF TUE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA AND THE
COURT OF DIRECTORS.
892. The Government of India decided to follow a cautious but determined
Dated lit August 1830. polioy in counteracting the Egyptian
Dated 12th August 1830. designs in the Persian Gulf, without
Dated 13th January 1840.
committing themselves to serious ag­
gressive measures. Their letters to the Bombay Government quoted below show
the measures they wished to take for the purpose in view,

To I. P. Willoughby, Eaq., Secretary to the Government of Bombay. Secret Depaitaft.
I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th ultimo, transmitting
copies of despatches from the Resident in the
Volamo 65—1061 of 1839, p. 642.
Persian Gulf to your address.
2. From the tenor of your letter, the Governor-General was led to oxpect that the
Honourable the Governor in Council would favour him with such observations on the subject