Page 97 - Gulf Precis (VI)_Neat

Chapter III. 75
(ix) The Moutefik .Arabs, 1872-1881: Sheikh Nasir.
145. In 1872 wo find that Shoikli Nasir was employed by tho Turkish
authorities in settling tlio newly conqucrred districts of Hasa and Katif, and ulti­
mately ho himself was appointed Yali of tho nowly constituted Yilayat of
Basrah, including Hasa and Katif (called Nojd). Ho founded the town of
Nasariyah and restored pcaco and prosperity to tho Yilayat.
146. Nasir Yasha proved himself too powerful for the Turks, and was, soon
afterwards, quietly called to Constantinople and installed in honorablo confine­
ment as a Member of tho Council.
147. In 1881 tho Montefile Arabs were again in rebellion. TTc have seen
already the policy attempted by Colonel
Secret, May 1882, Koj. 213-205.
Itawlinson and Colonel A. Kemball with
some measure of success in acting as the intermediary between them and tho
Turkish authorities. How far their policy, if continued to follow, might have
succeeded in establishing British influence among the Arabs on a permanent
basis a matter of conjecture, liis two successors Colonel Herbert and Colonel
Nixon were however by no means fitted to carry out that policy; on tho contrary
their self-assertiveness’ and want of tact in dealing with tho Turkish authorities
would have stood in the way of success if the lino of policy followed by thoir
predecessors had bccu attempted.
Air. Plowdcn was anxious to re-inaugurate tho old scheme and the follow­
ing despatch of his oiloring his suggestions in tho matter will bo read with
interest:—

Dated Baghdad, 17th Juno 1881.
From—Trevor CmcnRLR Plowdejt, Eoq., Pol'tical Agont in Tarkiah Arabia and H. B. M.
Connul-Gcncrul, Bnghdnd,
To—Emt of Dutfhdin, Her Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople.
In continuation of previous despatches, I beg to report that, although tho local Govern­
ment has been able as yet to hold its own, the stato of affairs in tho Montifik country continues
extremely critical.
The telegraph lino between Baghdad and Basrah has been cut, and tho troops and the
Arabs have twice come into collision. About three miles to tho north of Nasariya
there is an embankment, which prevents the water from a large marsh formed by the rivers
Euphrates end Hat from overflowing and destroying that town, where the bulk of the Turkish
forces on duty in the Montclik country are now stationed. On the 10th June a body of about
l,0u0 Arabs ascended the mar>h in the skiffs and endeavoured to cut the embankment, which
was defended by the troops. The fight lasted for two hours, aad ended in the defeat of the
Arabs, some thirty of whose boats were suuk.
On the following day tho Arabs attacked Nasariyah, but were beaten off with a loss, it
is said, of 150 men.
3. Thcro is considerable uncertainty as to the policy which tho local authorities ct
Baghdad arc likely to pursue in this matter. The dispatch of additional troops to Nasariya,
and tho issue of the order, copy of which was inclosed in ray letter of ihe 3rd June, appeared
to indicate a determination to adopt rigorous and uncompromising measures. But the impres-
siou exists that, whether under instructions from the Porte or as the result of a more careful
survey of the actual situatiou, more moderate counsels now prevail. Thus I am informed
that tho Porte has condemned the dispatch of additional troops to Nasariya, as an irritatiug
and uncalled-for proceeding, has given a conciliatory reply to JUausour Pasha’s telegram
explaining the cause of his flight, aod has sent a reassuring message to Faleh Pasha, who, in
the absence of his fnlhcr A<asir Pasha (under detention at Constantinople), is probably the
most influential personage amongit the Montifik and their subordinate tribes. It is said that
the point under immediate consideration is whether Faleh Puda should bo appointed Mutes-
sarif of Na*ariya, or whether a Special Commissioner should be sent to the spot to inquire
into matfer8 and promoto an arrangement. If the latter mcaaure be adopted, everything
will depend upon tho character and ability of the officer who may be selected, and on the
powors with which ho may ho entiusled. Three persons have been mentioned as likely to bo
sent, 'lhey arc all small men, and will not, I think, carry any weight; I should doubt, also,
whether any of (hem is in a position to resist the pecuniary temptations with which he will
probably be confronted. Iteccntly, however, I have heard that tho Vali’s Adjutant (Moavin)
• See Chapter VIII