Page 113 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

BRITISH POLICY IN THE PERSIAN GULF. 71
demand, and lo his opponent to acquiesce,—the total removal of the
obligations of the treaty thenceforward from all parties,—appeared to
exhibit itself in carrying into effect the Government suggestion of
lengthening the term of the truce, inasmuch as it obviated, at least
during the period thus extended, the necessity he (of Amulgavine) at
the time urged for the erection of any sea defences, and all parties
consenting (the continuation of the annual gifts being secured to them),
a Maritime Truce of ten years was accordingly, under the special
authority of Government, entered into on the 1st June 1843.*
These various restraints and checks to irregularities cannot be suffi­
ciently appreciated, although the system may at first sight be viewed as
exercising too great and arbitrary an influence and control over positively
independent States. Thus precluded from the illicit profits to be
derived from piratical depredations at sea, it became a matter of vital
importance to secure to all the tribes, in common, peace and tranquillity,
while engaged in the practice of their vocation on the pearl banks, and
the prosecution of their carrying trade, the only means which (the bar­
renness and infertility of the soil of their country, producing not
sufficient for the maintenance of the inhabitants, being called to mind)
nature has placed within their reach for gaining a livelihood, and upon
the success of which must depend the extent of commerce and degree
of prosperity and happiness among them. The interests, moreover, of
humanity and good policy dictate the prevention of outrage and
aggression on these seas, by every precautionary measure, rather than
the punishment and coercion of such when perpetrated by the rude and
uncivilized tribes in these quarters.
By submitting to the Maritime Truce,f the parties have bound
themselves not to engage in hostilities on the sea under any circumstances.
On the occurrence of disputes of such a nature as not to be amicably
arranged by mediation and mutual concession, but to render necessary
a recourse to arms, the struggle must be held on land ; but should these
disputes have had their origin in depredations and unprovoked
aggressions by sea, and at sea, then the aggrieved chief is entitled to

* A copy of this Maritime Truce will be found at page 86 of this Selection. A few days
before the expiration of this truce (1st June 1853) “ Perpetual Treaty of Peace,” dated
the 4 th May 1853, was agreed upon by the Chiefs of the Arabian Coast. A copy of this
Treaty is also annexed.—Editor.
t The nature of our connection with the Arabs who were parties to the Treaty (previous
to the conclusion of the Maritime Truce), and the import of Article IV. of that Treaty, no
doubt gave great weight to endeavours to prevent hostilities by meaus of explanation and
mediation, and entitled us to demand from each chief an explicit declaration of his intention
to go to war with any other power in the Gulf; but that war once announced, we had no
further control over the proceedings of the belligcreuts than might be necessary to prevent a
renewal of the system of general depredation.—(Government letter No. 329,15th March 1823.)