Page 86 - Gulf Precis (VI)_Neat

Gi Part I.
As Iho Ictlcr which accompanied the Bnynrldi states generally that tlio ofTico is conferred
on the some footing ns that whereon it was hold by lho lato Sheikh Bunder, I submitted to His
Excellency that, the absence of the usual contract, specifying the conditions of iis tenure
such as the period of tho lease, tho limits of jurisdiction, the amount of tribute and other
obligations of tho nominee, might, under existing circumstances, suggest to Sheikh Fuhud
tho suspicion of an arriere-pensee on the part of tho Government, in which ease he might
postpone tho active exercise of his function until those points had been clearly defined ; but
His Excellency observed that tho terms employed were those precisely of Sheikh Fa hud's
original proposal; and, moreover, that his personal attendance at Baghdad was necessary to tho
completion of tho oon tract.
I confess that I am not without anxiety as to the issue on tho score of tho loss of valuablo
time. Tho officor charged with tho Buyurldi has, however, boon empowered to givo every
assurance verbally to Sheikh Fuhnd, and tho new Sheikh has boon directed to mako immediate
arrangements for tho safo transit of tho telegraph boats and to give me instant notice at
Dewanieh when tho way is clear.
I eucloso in copy and translation a letter which, with the approval of Namik Pasha on
leaving Baghdad, 1 h-ivo addressed to Sheikhs Na\ir and Munsoor and the elders oi the Montefik
tribe, and in subjoining copy and translation of a telegram which I havo this day forwarded to
Your Excellency.
No. 19, d*tcd Ililli'li. the fith April 18G1.
From—Colonel A. B Kbmiull, C.R., Her Majesty's Consul-General at Baghdad,
To—The Hon'blb E. M. Erskinr, Her Majesty’s Charg^ d’Affaires, Constantinople.
I regret that I am still unable to acquaint Your Excellency with the issue of Namik
Political A., May 1EG4, Nos. 162-153. Pasha's proposed invest!turo of Hhe.ik Fuhud-
el-Alce as Chief of the Mantefiq tribes. His
Excellenoy had scarcely intimated to me by telegraph, that, consequent upon the rumour of this
arrangement, Shaikh Munsoor had sent u party of
liis adherents, headed by his eon, &!«-«, to
Officer, Koval Engineer, is in retdiuoi hereto pro- occupy the road between Uulcfi and Baghdad,
coed m,d repair dauiogoi io »oon os tho road ia re* when communication ceased, its continuous ces a-
p°r cd clear. tion during tho past two days leading to the con-
elusion that the wires must have been cut and the line, perhaps, otherwise injured by the parly
in question. On the same occasion Ilis Excellency stated his conviction that the appointment
of Fuhud would have the effect immediately of restoring ordor, and on this ground he earnest­
ly objected to the intention I hud expressed, with His Excellenc}''s sanction, to place myself in
*
communication with Sheikh Munsoor, or even, if necessary, to proceed in person to his camp.
In the meantime Your Excellency will observe, from the enclosed Report just received
from Her Majesty’s Vice-Consul at Bussornh, that tho samo cause, the non-nomination of a
Sheikh, is producing the same effects on the banks of the Lower Euphrates ; but if, as repohed
from native sources, Sheikh Fuhud has really embarked in a Turkish Steamer t«» wait upon
Namik Pasha at Baghdad, I trust that our difficulties in both directions may speedily cease.
I cannot, indeed, avoid the suspicion that the step now taken by Sheikh Mui.s'ior has been
prompted by the protract' d detention of his brother, Sheikh Nassir, against his will, at Baghdad,
in spito of the safe conduct, rai-aman, promised by Namik Pasha. In that ease I have direct­
ed Mr. Vice-Consul Micheal, while disclaiming .any desire on my part to meddle with the affaire
of his Government, to express clearly my dissent from such a violation of the pledges given by
His Excellency, and my opinion of tho expediency, come what may, of immediately dismissing
Sheikh Nassir should he desire to return home.

No. 25, dated tho 4th May 18G4.
From—CoiONBt A. B. Kiudall, c.n., Her Majesty’s Consul-General at Baghdad,
To—His Excellency the Bight llon'blo Sir H. L. Bulwbr, o c.d., etc., etc., eto.
i I regret to ioform Your Excellency that no improvement has yot taken place in the state
of affairs in the Montefik districts, and that
Politual A, June 1861, Nos. 197-198.
Namik Pasha has now despatched a considerable
force, under the command of Ferek Hafiz 1 asha,
• One thouraod Infantry and two gcn«, which left . OVmawfl Sheikh lUunsOOT, and, if practicable,
Baghdad on 2nd in»taut. to bercinforced by 600 Kc OveiaWO onc,Kn nun*0£
gular Infantry under Mahomed Beg at Hoot, and to penetrate even to Shukisll SlllOO . P
by tho fighting, it ii believed, of tho i.ubcca and the difficulties arising out of the marshy chai- *
Boni Burn Arab*. Sl.cbli I'aslia baa also been directed . .■ ,u o0llnfrv <ho lateness of the season, anil
to co operate from Dewanieh with a regiment of , . , - * * ni ... T.ijR Excellency
Cavalry, 400 Irregular Horse, and 4 guns. ° hlSOwn state of unp.epuredncss,
has ever inclined to this measure. Having rcluc.
tantly enneoded the several points which had become indispensable to Sheikh Fu :n s “
natioo, Ilis Excellency still omitted to publish the general amnesty, which might *
the effect of bringing to his side the rebellious adherents of Sheikh Munsoor, thus aci g
the designs of the latter Chief in misrepresenting His Excellency's intentions : am a »
this omission has at length been supplied in the form of letters forwarded tbroug ‘
Fuhud to the moro influential persons, it is feared that their cffoct may bo couu cm y