Page 203 - Gulf Precis (VI)_Neat

Chapter X. 177
I would not, in the pro'ont stato of our relations with the Porto, have troubled Your
Excolloncy with the discussion of this question had the voyago of tho Kerbelni promised
to bo an isolated, or evon an unusual cirournstanco ; but not only is tho schooner in question
destined, ns I have before observed, for permanent employment on the waters of Mesopotamia,
but I havo also within these few days been consulted with regard to our right of ascending
tho rivers by three different British mercantile houses, Messrs. Mills and Co., Messrs.
Hector and Co., and Messrs. Lynch and Co., each of which parties are, it appears,
independently, and moro or less actively, engaged in preparing iron steam vessels expressly
for the navigation of the Tigris, the object being to supersede tho present dilatory and
uncertain method of bringing goods from Basrah to Baghdad by Bailing or tracking the river
boats.
42. Sir Stratford Canning took tho matter up and the action taken by him
is described in his despatch printed below to the Earl of Dufforin.

No 45, dated Constantinople, tho 18th March 1816.
From—Sib Stbatfobd Canning,
To—TnE Eabl of Doffebin.
An attempt has been made by tho Pasha ot Baghdad to forbid "the navigation of the
Tigris and Euphrates by British morchant-vcsscls otherwise than under the flag of the country,
and to levy duties upon them hitherto confined to Ottoman subjects. The accompanying
extracts from tho despatches addressed to me upon this subject by Her Majesty' Consul at
Baghdad will supply the particulars to Your Lordshid's more complete information. They
may also servo to exhibit Major Rawlmson's own view of the subject as relates more especially
to the duties.
Looking to the future extension of our trade, and knowing the character of Najib Pasha
I oould not but f«ol tho importance of regulating the questions he had raised by means
of a direct understanding with the Porte, and before any new commercial enterprises bad
confirmed the jealousy which he is ever ready to entertain.
In order to effect so desirable a purpose, it was necessary for me to consult the fair
interests of the Porte, and not t) leave room for any question as to our doubtful right of coo-
veying merchandize in our own vessels, and under our own flag, beyond the customary port
of entry at Basrah. Thus circumstanced, I should have hesitated to enter upon such delicate
ground wiihout the advantage of the special instructions, had not tho principles by which
I was to be guided received Your Lordship's sanction, aud that of the Board of Trade, on a
former occasion. In the spring of 1842, Major Rawlinson’s predecessor at Baghdad referred
to me certain points of difference which had arisen between him and the Pasha, aud for the
discussion of which he was anxious to be prepared. 1 stated roy opinions agreeably to
Colonel Taylor's request, aud having submitted them subsequently to Your Lordship, had
the satisfaction to find that they were approved.
With these recollections to guide me, I applied to the Ottoman Minister for tho removal
of those obstacles which Najib Pasha had raised to the free navigation of our vessels on the
waters under his jurisdiction, and when difficulties arose. as to meeting my wishes to their
full extent, I proposed an arrangement, whioh by means of some discussion between the
interpreters, after much delay, was finally accepted, and laid before the Sultan. His Highness'
assent is not at all likely to be withheld, and as soon as it is given, the necessary instructions
will be transmitted to Najib Pasha, and cemmunicated to Her Majesty's Embassy.
The substance of the agreement is this : British vessols, qualified to navigate as such,
will be allowed to pass up and down the rivers without obstruction under their own flag,
paying for the merchandize on board according to the Treaty of Balta Liman, and staying
to carry on the internal traffic at their pleasure. British-owned boats or vessels built in the
country and employed in the internal trade will p:»y duty on the same terms, but will not
bo allowed to bear the national oolours. Tboso vessels which pass up the rivers beyond the
pnrfc of entry will pay an anchorago duty of 5 Turkisn piastres on*each vessel, a charge con­
siderably less tnan half the amount levied undor that deuomination on British vessels here.
I trust, my Lord, that by making this arrangement I have permanently secured fo our
merchants the right of navigating the waters of Mesopotamia under tho ^ protection of tbrir
own national flag as high as the draught of the ve-sols which bear it will all >w, while the
charges to bo levied on their merchandize are only those which we could not, with any show
of justice or shadow of propriety, rofuse. With respect to the country-built beats, which
Major Rawlinson describes as having enjoyed tho use of British colors for many years, I cau
only submit that they bavo enjoyed that advantage illegally as regards the laws of tho
United Kingdom, and that although I should bo glad, for the sake of appearanoe, to spare
their owners the fancied humiliation of a change, 1 cannot forgot that they are now to be
exempted fiom every charge othor than that upon the goods on board, and I trust also that
there will no longer bo any distinction bolween steamers and sailing-vessels.
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