Page 332 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

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6. Were it practicable, and having regard only to Arab feuds and invasions,
I would most gladly recommend our withdrawal from the Persian Gulf lino ;
but the forco of circumstances impels us to tako an increasing interest in this
lino. It is tho shortest way from India to Huropo, and may some day beoomo
our principal.overland route. Wo are already dependent on it for our tolegraph
communication with England, and, notwithstanding tho follies and tyrannies
of surrounding Native Governments, tho Gulf trade continues to increase.
Apart from its coasting trade, horse dealing, and an annual outturn of nearly
half a million sterling in pearls, it is estimated that the sea-borne trade may
now be upwards of five millions sterling,
£
To and from Bombay, Madia* nod while of this trade tho great bulk finds its
T.C.‘.'5V1 B.um, Slog*,... ..i 3'00°'000 7% to °ur possession, and i. in large part
Mfturitiu* . . . . . ],600,000 m the hands of our subjects ana proteges,
To and from Kurracbea and R«d So*. 600,000 wllO Would hesitate to resido in the
sea-board towns of these regions, unless
G&ixd Total . 6,000,000
they could feel assured that, in the con­
tingency of their being plundered or otherwise injured, Government would exact
reparation. These people trust, moreover, to our upholding our engagements
for the maintenance of the maritime peaoe in the Gulf, and well understand that
Our withdrawal would be the signal for piracy on a large scale.
7. There are at this moment 3 or 4,000 Arab boats, who would only be too
delighted to plunder tho defenceless shores of Persia and have a general uproar
amongst themselves; and experience has taught us that the second phase of this
condition of affairs would be piracy in the Indian Ocean and along our own
frontier coast. All lawful trade would, of course, fall away, and as to convey­
ing part of it, our mail steamers and square-rigged vessels would cease to ply.
8. On the whole, I fear that in the long run Government will find it
almost necessary to maintain peace at sea
No. 1A., dtled 12th J.oaary 1863.
„ 2A., „ 1st February „ in the Gulf, and to protect the persona
„ 39, „ 2nd „ „ and property of their subjects residing in
:: Edited Mokm, ieth J.mur; 1861!, pm- ?f-board trading marts : and to do
gnph 19. this it seems almost essential that your
representative should be in possession of—
1st.—The means of enforcing his arbitraments and maintaining peace,
and
2nd.—Either discretionary power, or else clear instructions as to the
manner in which he should use the means at his disposal.

Translated purport of a letter from Khuhses bin Esau Sryhatee, to the Resident, Persian
Gylf,—received at Bushire, 2.8th Marph 18 66.
I beg to inform you that a boat belonging to me was broken up at sea
bet een Bahrein and Khteef, and seven men who were on board of her were
murdered. They blame Feysul for this aot, as the sail of the boat was found
in his possession. Feysul has denied the charge, and has acoused Abdoollah
Omanee of the deed. Abdoollah Omanee, who was with Feysul, hearing of
this accusation, sought protection with the Chiefs of Bahrein. The Chiefs* of
Bahrein now demand blood-money for the murdered men. This aot was
committed on the high seas, and obtainment of reparation for the same rests
with you. I claim blood-money for the- seven men and the value of the boat
and gear, worth 65 dollars. It was my duty to inform you of this occurrence,
as obtainment of reparation for the deed rests with you, and there is no exouse
to be made in the matter. The boat is owned by me, Khumees bin Esau
8eyhatee.

Translated purport of a letter from Khaled bin Sultan, Chief of Shargah,—dated the 2nd
Ramzan 1282 (20th January 1860). Received at Bushire, 28th March 1866.
Info&ms that his bugla from Bussorah encountered a storm and had to put
into Ejman, and in entering the oreek she struck. Her cargo was taken out
by the boats of the place,, and only a portion restored. The owners of the