Page 82 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf) 1907-1953

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encroaohmont, declared that lie could not tolorato
tlio notion of the Persian authorities, and, in
virtuo of Treaty relations, appealod to Ilia
Majesty's Government to take the necessary
steps with a view to preventing such interference
with his territory.
Major Cox, the British Resident, iu commenting Indin Odlco,
subsequently on the irresponsible action of the Augu8t 19> 1904,
Customs officials on this occasion, wrote as
follows:—
*' I would obsorvo, in conclusion, that signs
are not wanting to my mind to inolino me to
the belief that if wo do not mniutnin a vigorous
policy in connection with these islands in the
Gulf, it will not be long beforo wo aro con­
fronted with difficulties in regard to the adjacent
pearl fisheries, the preservation of which under
the time-honoured conditions has always beon
one of the fundamental features of our policy in
these waters."
The Government of India took a serious view
of the incident, and proposed to dispatch a gun­
boat to the islands, with a representative of the
Sheikh of Shargah on board, to haul down the
Persian flag, reinstate the Jowasini flag, and
remove the guards to Persian territory.
It was decided, however, iu the first instance Sir Aj
to make representations to the Persian Govern- graphic, May 24,
meat, and on the 24th May.IIis Majesty’s Minister 1904.
reported that they had telegraphed orders to
Bushire to remove the flags and guards from
Abu Musa and Tarab, while reserving their right
to discuss with His Majesty’s Government the
respective claims to the island.
The following is the text of a note addressed
by His Majesty’s Minister to the Persian Govern­
ment on the 15th June, 1904 :—
“ Your Excellency, Sir A. Hardiuge,
“I have had the honour to receive your note of No. 104, June 15,
yesterday's date respecting Tumi) and Abu Musa, and 1904.
shall be happy to transmit to the Government of India
any proofs with which you may favour mu that the
claims of tbu Persian Government to tho ownership of
these islands outweigh those of the Sheikh of Shargah.
“ Your Excellency must, however, understand that I
caunot agree to the suggestion, of which I henr for the
first time, that this Trucial Chief should not be per­
mitted to replace his flug pulled down by tho Pcisiau
Customs officials, and I would remind you in this con­
nection that we have not insisted upon the Persian