Page 9 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf) 1907-1953

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the increasing encroachment of Turkish authority:
the latter was due to a determination on the part
of His Majesty’s Government to prompte the
participation of Great Britain in the Bagdad
Bail way upon favourable terms.
At Bahrein a step was taken in the direction
of protecting British interests and those of the
local Sheikh by the appointment of a regular
Political Agent, whoso beneficent influence has
already begun to make itself felt, notably in
the settlement of judicial disputes. The more
effective application of this influence is now
under consideration, with a view to meeting
the increasing requirements of European inter­
course; while tho reform of tho Customs adminis­
tration, and tho proper control of the resulting
revenue, has continued to occupy for some time
the attention of tho Government of India.
finvoriiment of Such, briefly summarized, is tho position that
Iiulia, vide supra.
has been won by Gregt Britain, not without the
expenditure of many millions of money and the
sacrifice of many valuable lives, in the Persian
Gulf. In its vindication this country has more
than once been called upon to enter into military
occupation of ports or islands in the Gulf. The
Island of Kharak was occupied by Indian forces
from 1838-42, and again in 1850-7. Bushire
was held during the latter years, .as also were
Mohammcruh and Alnvaz upon the Karun. The
occupation of these places was an illustration
of the vigour with which, in past years, our
ascendency has been maintained. Their abandon­
ment was a proof of tho reluctance which has
invariably been displayed to emphasize or to
perpetuate those responsibilities.

Mr. T. J. Ilnmctt’s The situation of Great Britain in the Persian
r«i|»cr (see list).
Gulf has been well described as unique; for
although, with tho slight exceptions referred to,
she has at no time enjoyed, or even asked for,
territorial acquisitions in thoso rogions, she has
for generations borne burdens there which no
i
other nation has ever undertaken anywhere,
!
I except in tho capacity of sovereign; she has had
: duty thrust upon her without dominion; she has
kept the peace amongst people who are not her
5
subjects; has patrolled, during upwards of two
centuries, waters over which she lias enjoyed no
formal lordship; has kept, in strange ports, an open
!
door through which tho traders of every nation
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