Page 21 - Gulf Precis (VII)_Neat

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I nm aleo to obscrvo that the country occupied by the Kaab Arabs is subject to Persia, and
for all matters occurring in Persian territory, the Resident in the Persian Gulf is the officer
primarily responsible to the Government of India, though tho Resident and the Political Agent
in Turkish Arabia should co-operate, in dealing with political affairs in which both officers may
have a mixed interest.”
1G. "When the Persian Government loarnt of tho murder of Lufti Khan,
Oulf Ad.uinUtr.tion Report for 1878-70 end for they appointed Sheikh Hamah, a cousin of
18^-80. his Chief of Fellahieh, the Diwan and
Pishkash of the district being fixed at 10,000 tomans. The districts of Dch-ul-
Mullali, Jeralii, Iiindyan and Bandar Mashur, previously belonging to Fella-
hich, were now detached from it and formed into a new group, of which Amir
Abdullah of Boh-Mullah was appointed chief, on his agreeing to pay 12,000
tomans Diwan and Pishkash, in additiou to the arrears of 9,000 tomans due
from him for Dob-Mullah.
17. Sheikh Itamah was a very feeble chief, and was of little use in collect­
ing taxes, lie was therefore after a few
Oulf Administration Report for 1879*30.
months ejected from his place, to make
room for his relation Far is.* He appears
* Sio in tho .born Administration Report but
probably Mahomed Faris. howevor to have been soon re-iustated.
(iv) Death of Haji Jabir Khan, Governor of Mohammerali aud Sheikh
Mizal's succession, 1881.
18. While Sheikh Lufti of the Al-bu-nasir family, met his death by assas­
sination, Sheikh Jabir of the Muhaisen tribe was, it was apprehended, rapid­
ly approaching the end of his earthly career. In February 1879 be paid a visit
to Bombay for medical advice, but he derived little benefit from this. His death, it
was feared, would be a signal for political disturbances in Arabistan, the advan­
tage of which would likely bo taken by the Persian Government to appoint their
own official as Governor of Mohammcrah. Ho had four sons, a description of
whom given by Mr. Roberston, would be
Pcliucal A., January 18S0, Nob. 280-2S5.
interesting to read in view of the parts they
played later on in the political drama of south-west Persia :—
<c He has four sons living, Sheikh Mahomed Khan, Sheikh Mizal Khan, Sheikh Solmanand
Sheikh Khnzal. Of these tho third is dull and takes no part in the Government of the district,
the youngest is still a boy; but the rivalry between the first and the second, which the Persian
foster, is likely to result iu a troublesome state of affairs in these parts at their father's death.
Sheikh Mahomed is a man of little ability and unsatisfactory character; but because he
is the eldest son, his father treats him as his successor, and entrusts him with the execution
of most of his affairs, although well awaro that he loses heavily thereby. He is neither
c-teemed nor liked by the tribes, who do not trust him, and his feeling towards his brother,
Mizal, is so hitter that he lately plauned his murder, and only failed because the instrument
he selected was bad.
Sheikh Mizal resembles his father, and promises to equal him in every respect. He is
the fighting man of the family, and his da9h, generosity, and honesty have made him popular.
His fathor knows his merit and devotiou to himself, but he appears to regard him with a sort
of senile jealousy.
If the brothers were left to fight it out, Sheikh Mizal would probably soon settle the
question of succession, but Persian intervention is to be reckoned on. The Prince-Governor’s
lYazeer, Asadullah Khan, lately stated when drunk at Basrah, that when Haji Jabir dies, his
sons should he made to ruin each other and enfeeble the Arabs, and that then a Persian should
be appointed Governor of Mohammerab.”
19. The object of Mr. Robertson in reporting theso facts was to ask for in­
structions as to whether, in the event of Haji Jabir’s death, matters should be
left to take their own course, or a struggle between the brothers prevented.
Mr. Robertson did not contemplate any direct interference, but merely that bis
advice to Sheikh Mizal, if formally given, would induce him to refrain from
strife and he would retire temporarily to Turkish territory. Colonel Ross felt
some difficulty in offering an advice on this delicate point and referred the
matter to Her Majesty's Minister at Teheran. The Government of India
thought that the question should be loft to the Legation at Teharau to decide,
which apparently took no action.
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