Page 355 - Gulf Precis (VI)_Neat

Chapter XX. 323

inasmuch as tlio crew of the Comet is neither enrolled under the Indian
Marino Act nor subject to the Indian Articles of War, and that had it been
necessary to uso force the Officer Commanding tho Comet might have been
involved in serious consequences. lie therefore asks that tho Political Resident
he instructed to desist from sucli action in futuro. It was further explained
(No. 502, dated 7th July 190-i) that the Resident pressed for the mon on tho
ground that it was an urgent public duty, adding that he would accept all
responsibility.
229. Tho Government of India (Marine Department) stated in reply (No.
592, dated 7th July 190'i)
In reply, I am to observe the Government of India arc advised that the action of the
Resident was not illegal, and the matter was one for him to deal with purely from the stand
point of expediency. As ho considered that he could not trust tho prisoners to a guard of
their brother soldiers, it was incumbent upon him to take any steps he considered necessary in
reason and good faith for their safe custody. lie was competent therefore to require for that
purpose the aid of any oiliccr or man serving under the Government of India, and the fact
that the lascars were not subject to tho Marine Act or Articles of IVar docs not alter tho posi­
tion. The Government of India therefore consider it unnecessary to issue any instructions to
restrict the Resident from employing lascars as a guard iu future. The Resident must bo tho
sole judge of tho expediency of such a measure, and the propriety of any similar action taken
by him m reason and good faith cannot be questioned. In these circumstances the responsibi­
lity for any uutoward circumstance arisiug from the employment of lascars would rest with
the Resident.

i