Page 27 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf) 1907-1953

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that tlio light might bo placed either on the
rocky point of Cape Musuiulim or on one of the
islands called the Quoins that are situated at a
little distance from it; they considered that there
were political advantages in placing the light
upon a point of the peninsula, and they were
accordingly disposed to prefer this locality. The
British India Steam Navigation Company, who
were consulted on the subject, expressed the
view that a lighthouse at the extremity of the
Musandim Peninsula would he of considerable
help to shipping. They recommended that it
should be constructed on Cape Musandim rather
than on one of the Quoins Islands, provided that
the land south of the point would not render the
light invisible to ships proceeding up the Gulf.
On the 21st September, 1901, the Viceroy
telegraphed to inquire whether it would be
possible to secure the services of an expert
through Trinity House to examiuo the scheme
and also to report on the general question of the
lighting of the Persian Gulf. This telegram
was referred to the Foreign Office for Lord
L'ansdownc’s observations, but action appears to
have been suspended upon it until the question
of the flagstalTs at Musandim had been settled,
and, as the ultimate decision in regard to the
latter was that they should he removed, the
lighthouse question appears to have been allowed
to drop.
Lighthouse. The erection of a lighthouse might be of con­
siderable service, both nautical and political, at
Musandim. With regard to the erection of lights
and the improvement of harbours in general, the
British Resident in the Persian Gulf has expressed
the view that, apart from their utilitarian aspect,
they would undoubtedly do much to strengthen
our already predominant position. The subject
will he reverted to Part III of this Memorandum
(see p. 91).
Wireless Telegraphy. If a lighthouse is built at Musandim a wireless
telegraphy station might likewise be established.
This would be of much advantage to passing
vessels for purposes of signalling, and it is worthy
of consideration whether similar stations should
not he established at Bassidu, Bahrein, and on
Kubbar Island near Kowcit, and wireless instal­
lations supplied to His Majesty’s ships in the
Persian Gulf, with a view to the easier and more
elTeotivc suppression of piracy.
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