Page 157 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf) 1907-1953

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IV.—Mohammerah.

Sheikh Kliuzul is the acknowledged ileud
of the Muhaisun tribe of the Chaab Arabs,
living on both sides of the Karun, from near
Shuster to its junction with the Shat-cl-Arnb
near Mohammerah, and on the left bank of the
Shat-el-Amh from Mohammerah to its mouth,
and between the Tigris and the Shat-el-Arab to
the we3t, and to the Jcrrish River on the east.
Mr. Spring-Rice, As regards the Persian Government, the
No. 15,
March 20, 1900. position of the Sheikh, who murdered his brother,
Sheikh Miznl, in 1897, has always been that of a
great feudal Prince, who in smaller matters has
thought it well to humour the Central Govern­
ment while remaining at the same time extremely
jealous in matters touching his quasi-indepen­
dence.
llis attitudo to British interests has been
friendly, and in striking contrast to that of the
Persian ollicials in South-west Persia.
Ever since 1898 the Sheikh lias shown himself
nervous about his position in the event of the
break-up of the Persian Empire, and anxious to
obtain guarantees regarding the independence of
his territories in certain eventualities.
In November 1899, when Sir M. Durand
visited the Karun, the Sheikh made a request
for assurances. While declining to afford
guarantees of tho nature desired, Sir M. Durand
intimated to him that “lie might rely upon our
help whenever we could give it without ill-faith
to tho Persian Government.*'
The intention formed by tho Central Govern­
ment in 1900 to include Mohammerah in the
newly organized Customs system increased the
anxiety of the Sheikh to obtain some kind of
guarantee, the moro so since rumours were
prevalent that the contemplated changes would
be used as a protext for putting an end to his
power as that of tho last of tho great feudal
Chiefs of Persia.
Pears were also entertained that if the Sheikh
wero forcibly to resist any such attempts the
Persian Government would retaliate by their
favourite method of intrigue, and endeavour to
oreate dissension in the Chaab tribo by setting
up tho nephew of Sheikh Khazal, Sheikh Aboud,
who resided at Ahwaz, aud was not on the most
cordial torms with his uuole.
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