Page 85 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf) 1907-1953

79

question of the pearl fisheries that have so long
existed there has come under our notice. Im­
portant questions, both of policy and inter­
national law, are involved; and although none
of these has fortunately hitherto assumed an
acute shape, it seems to us desirable that the
matter should he considered now, in order that
we may know how to act should any sudden or
unexpected development occur. We therefore
address you on the subject.
“The approximate limits of the pearling
grounds in the neighbourhood of the Arab
littoral are indicated on the inclosed copy of a !
chart of the Gulf. In addition to those marked,
there are also shoals in the neighbourhood of i
Kharak Island, aud at other points along the
Persian coast, which are regularly exploited, and
frequently yield considerable returns. We are
immediately concerned, however, only with those
lying on the Arabian side of the Gulf. Along
this coast lie the territories of the several Trucial
Chiefs, the Peninsula of El JCatr, the Island of
i
Bahrein, the Turkish Province of El Hassa, aud
the domains of the Sheikh of Koweit. The
pearl banks appear from time immemorial to
have been opcu, without distinction, to the
Arabs of the entire littoral; and though there
are no definite inter-tribal limits, the external
boundaries of the fisheries are well known.
Intrusion is resented; the principal Chiefs have
in the past expressed the view that the fisheries
are common property, and that no Chief has
therefore the right to grant any Concession to
outside parties; and, believing as they do that
the shallower waters are dependent on the deeper
for their supply of sholls, their objections relate
not only to interference on the shoals which are
habitually fished by their dependents, but also
to the exploitation of the deeper waters beyond.
,r His Majesty’s Government are aware of the
close relations which exist between the Arans of
this coast and the Indian Government. {Since
184H we have held from the Truoial Chiefs
agreements to refrain from any breach of the
peace at sen, and in 1892 the Sheikhs concluded
fresh compacts, binding themselves not to onter
into any Agreement or correspondence with any
Power other than the British Government; not
to consent, except with the permission of the
British Government, to the residence within
their territories of the Agent of any other State •
[1008J Y