Page 104 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

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BRITISH POLICY IN THE PERSIAN GULP.

The general policy of the British Government in relation with the
Arab States is fully apparent from the annexed Treaties. It remains
but to be shown how far the course adopted by Government has proved
adequate to the attainment of the one great and principal end,—the entire
suppression of piracy, and consequent security to the trade and traders
of all nations. The measures pursued in the support of this line of
policy have ever been mild and conciliatory ; but a constant sur-
veillance, and an unremitting vigilance, aided by the occasional
demonstration of power (without, however, its actual exercise since 1820,
one instance in 1835 alone excepted), have nevertheless been essentially
necessary to render it of avail.
The gradually improving civilization and increased commercial
interests of the inhabitants of the maritime Arab States, induced by
these restraints to war and piracy, creating to a certain degree a
desire on their own part for perfect tranquillity on the seas, have
removed many great difficulties which at first existed, and enabled the
Government of late years to diminish the great annual expenditure on
account of the naval establishment employed in their watch and
observation, by its reduction to the complement of one sloop of war, one
brig, one schooner, and the Resident’s yacht, without at the same time
lessening its influence, or incurring any great danger of a renewal of
former disorders.
It must nevertheless be borne in mind,—when the poverty, habits of
rapine, and interminable blood feuds (the heir-loom of the Arab); and
when the enticing prospects of rich booty to be obtained from
a course of piracy, are considered,—that the Arabs have been so long
restrained and impelled to the faithful observance, with few exceptions,
of their engagements with the Government, by the dread of its power
alone, and the assurance that punishment would immediately follow
their slightest breach. The disorders and irregularities arising out o
the blood feuds existing on land afford a pretty good proof of what
would occur at sea, were it not for the restraining power of the
British Government.
Experience has shown that the most solemn engagements between