Page 38 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf) 1907-1953

32
which a British gun-boat cannot reach. The
use of the launch will confirm our titlo to police
the pearl banks.
The reason for theso measures was explained 190t.
by the Government of India in a despatch dated
the 21st April, 100 A
The protection of the British Government had
converted the island from a scene of chronic
external aggression and intestine feud into a
relatively pcncoful and nourishing ccntro of
industry and commerce; but, secure in the
gratuitous enjoyment of the benefits thus con­
ferred upon him, and oblivious of the past vicis­
situdes of the Khalifa family, the Chief had
been induced, by tho very moderation of the
British Government, to the belief that his re­
lations with them were of a kind involving no
corresponding obligations on his part. The
iucorrectuess of tho Sheikh’s attitude had been
conspicuously noticeable in connection with
the question of the Customs revenues (u point
dealt with under a separate heading of this
Memorandum). The Government of India were
not then disposed on this nccouut to have
recourse to coercive measures, in the hope that
the object in view would be effected by means
which, if slower, might not prove less effective.
They apprehended that tho Sheikh would not
be slow to recognize the significance of the
means in question, and that a suitable officer
would be able to bring pressure to bear in con­
nection with the Customs question or any other
matter. Apart, however, from affairs of domestic
interest, the need for a more definite assertion of
our position had recently come into greater pro­
minence owing to the establishment of an enter-
piising German trader on the island, and by
reason of the growing interest in this quarter
displayed by foreigners of other nationalities.
The expectations of the Government of India
as to the reformation of tho Sheikh were unfor­
tunately destiued to bo disappointed, aud his*
incapaeity as a ltuler found concrete expression
in disturbances which took place in November India Office,
190t, when a German clerk was assaulted and “J|
several Persians were wounded.
In the case of tho Gorman, as a result of flic India office,
January 18, 11105.
action of the Uritish Agent, full compensation was
paid and condign punishment publicly inflicted.
As to the Persians, tho Sheikh remained