Page 168 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

at ADMINISTRATION REPORT OF THE PERSIAN GULF

20 miles inland of Shargah where they had Shaikh Rashid in confinement and were
preparing for an attack in force on Falai. It also transpired that Shaikh Rashid’s
captured followers had been sent as prisoners by sea to Abu Thabi ; a distinct
violation of the Maritime. Truce.
Special messengers were sent to the Shaikh of Shargah calling upon him to
return home at once to interview the Resident and after some attempt at evasion
he decided to comply ; and he having been got on board H. M. S. Proserpine,
primarily in connection with the settlement of "Shargah claims, pressure was put on
him to assist the Resident in bringing the Shaikh of Abu Thabi to his senses. He
was accordinglv used as an emissary and after nearly a week’s obstinate corre-
spondence, and endeavours by Shaikh Zaced to make stipulations regarding Shaikh
Rashid’s release he was at length induced to release him unconditionally” but on
the friendly understanding that the Resident would thereupon arbitrate an equit­
able settlement of their differences. Shaikh Rashid duly arrived at the coast under
an escort, considerably reduced in proportions and in a somewhat nervous state
after his six weeks’ indurance, and was received on board the Lawrence as the
Resident’s guest.
Two long days were then passed on shore in tedious discussion of the terms of
peace, between Shaikh Rashid on the one hand and the Shaikhs of Shargah (repre­
senting also Ajman) and Debai (representing also Abu Thabi). A modus vivendi
was at last effected and reduced.to writing, and will, it is hoped, have the effect of
maintaining peace among the Trucia! Shaikhs for a longer period than their com­
pacts usually do. On the conclusion of the negociations the Shaikh of Umm-el-
Kaiwain was landed at his port, where the town was en fete, and was received with
much rejoicing. He himself seemed grateful for his deliverance and subsequently
sent a thank-offering in the shape of a well-bred riding camel and a young horse,
which were taken into Government employ.
In the meanwhile H. M. S. Redbreast proceeded to Abu Thabi and brought back
the imprisoned followers of Shaikh Rashid and landed them at their home and thus
the incident ended.
On receiving a report of the events just narrated the Government of India
considered that further action in the direction of the exaction of a fine from the
Shaikh of Abu Thabi for his treachery and breach of the Maritime Truce might be
dispensed with.
Shaikh Sagar according to his wont has given constant trouble to the Residency
during the year owing to his extraordinary
Shargah.
apathy in effecting the settlement of claims
upon his subjects, and his callous disregard of the provisions of the Convention
existing among the Trucial Chiefs regarding the treatment of absconding divers.
According to the latter Convention he had rendered himself liable to a fine of
several hundred dollars, and when the incident just narrated regarding the seizure
of Shaikh Rashid was reported the Resident was just about to start for Shargah to
endeavour to bring Shaikh Sagar to his senses.
In order however to obtain his co-operation in the achievement of peace between
Shaikh Rashid and Shaikh Zaeed and in view of his tractability in the question
of the Abu Musa Concession, which was discussed at the same time and which has
been dealt with in the Bushire report, it was thought politic to treat him lenient y
in regard to the claims outstanding against Shargah and therefore the Residen
contented himself with taking from him a deposit of Rs. 3,000 as a guarantee
of their early settlement.
It was mentioned in last year’s report that the Chiefs had been called upon to
fly the Orthodox Trucial Flag prescribed
Tru« ial Flag. by Treaty, and that after sonic demur
they had apparently deferred to the wishes of Government.
It was not long however before the Shaikhs of Abu Thabi and Debai put■
heads together and informed the Resident that the Flag which they were askc
fly had been looked upon from time immemorial as the specific emblem o* 1
Jowasmi tribe, and that as the Jowasmis (Shargah and Ras-el-Khnima) 'vori'
the “ Ghafiri ” persuasion and they themselves “ Himiwi,” their subject# reiusct
fly the Flag prescribed. Shaikh Zuucd added that only if the Sultan ot - *la
agreed to change the Maskat Flag would he be willing to change his.