Page 161 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf) 1907-1953

1

88

as Sir A. Ilardingc reported in March 1002 that
the Russians had been making offers for over a
year to reduce the Sheikh of Mohamnurah to
subjection by* force, and that they had b. t,n
pressing the Persian Government to adopt
towards him an uncompromising attitude. The
assurance was actually given after an Arrange­
ment about the Customs had been concluded,
largely owing to the friendly intervention of
His Majesty’s Government; but if was probably
only in consequence of this assurance that the
Sheikh consented to avoid friction and to make
the new Arrangement work smoothly.
On the 24th December, 11103, Sir A. Ilardingc
addressed a note to the Sheikh confirming the
assurance of 1002, and adding that he might rest
assured of the support of the British Government
so long as lie on his side observed the con­
ditions of the Arrangement made with the
Persian Government.
Sir A. Hardinge, In 1904 a Russian decoration was conferred
No. 65,
April 7, 1904. on the Sheikh and a Commercial Mission was
Cooiul McDouall, sent to Mohamniemh.
No. 1, Oue of the principal reasons for avoiding a
August 25, 1904.
conflict between the Persian Government and the
Sheikh of Mohammcrah has been the fear that
such an event would raise the much larger
question of the Turco-Persinn frontior dispute.
Mohammcrah nnd the surrounding district have
always been a bone of contention between the
Turks and the Persians, and only recently the
Sheikh expressed his apprehensions to his
Majesty’s Consul-General at Bushire in regard to
recent developments at moro northerly points of
the frontier. The views of his Majesty’s
Government are explained in the subjoined
despatches.
“ Sir Edwuni Grey to Mr. Marling.
“ (No. 21.)
“ Sir, “ Foreign Oj/ice, February 25, 11)08.
“ 1 have roceived your despatch No. 17 of the 28th
ultimo, in which you forward telegraphic correspondence
with His Majesty's Consul-General at Bushire relative
to the apprehensions of the Sheikh of Muhammeruh in
regard to recent developments on the Turco-Persiun
frontior.
“I concur in your opinion that a gun-boat need not
be sent to the Shatt-ol-Arab under existing conditions,
and 1 oonsidor that when an attack appears mure
imminent the precise notion to bo taken by His Majesty's
Government con be determined.
[8631 K