Page 367 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

69
with any other Foreign Governments, and would not, without assent of the
British Government, consent to admit to reside in their territories, agents of
any Government but the British.
169. In January 1883, Sartip Eaji Ahmed Khan, having supplied him­
External A, Kobrnary 1888, No*. 17-18. self with a number of Persian Govern­
External A, August 1888, No*. 417-182. ment flatus left Bushire on a special mis­
sion. On this occasion the Sartip pro­
ceeded in a native vessel to a placo on the promontory called Kaa-el-Bibal, or
Capo Musendim and desired to land, but was warned off by the Arab inhabit­
ants. Subsequently, accompanied by the Sheikh of Kishm and some armed
men, he visited Umm-ul-Ka\vain causing much excitement amongst the Arabs
of that coast. Haji Ahmed gave out that his object in visiting ’Oman again
was of a personal uature, but his real purpose was no secret. lie was utterly
unsuccessful and returned in disappointment to Bunder Abbas- The Persian
Minister under whose orders the Sartip was acting on being questioned by Her
Majesty’s Chargd d’Affaires, promptly and positively disavowed all knowledge
of the Sartip’s proceedings, aud volunteered to reprimand him for his action.
The Arabs of the Pirate Coast, being considerably fluttered by Hnji Ahmed’s
appearance and oonduct, were informed by the Commander of Her Majesty’s
Ship Osprey, which vessel was despatched for the purpose to the coast, that
the Persian Government had disavowed and disapproved Haji Ahmed’s pro­
ceedings. The presence of the Osprey and the disclaimer of the Persian
Government had a re-assuring effect on the minds of the Arabs of the Pirate
Coast. It may be mentioned that Sartip Haji was subsequently presented
with a sword of honour by order of the Persian Minister.
160. In view of the intrigues of the Persians on the Arab Coast, Colonel
External a, Auguat 1838, No*. 679-671 Boss obtained agreements from the ChiefB
(vide Nos. 613-617). of Abu Thabi, Ras-ul-Khima, Ejman,
Umm-ul-Kowein, Shargah and Debai on various dates in December 1887, in
which they bound themselves—
(a) on no account to correspond or enter into an agreement with any
Government whatever except the British;
(b) without the assent of the British Government not to consent to
allow an Agent of any Government except that of the British i
to reside within their dominions.
i
161. The Government of India sent these agreement to the Secretary of
State (despatch No. 62, dated 24th April 1S88), referring to them as
assurances of their loyal adherences to their connection with the British Gov­
ernment, But no further action appears to have been taken.

(V) IXTRIGUES OF M. CHAPUY OX THE PIRATE COAST. TREATIES WITH TUB
TRUCIAL CHIEFS, 1892.
162. In 1891 a Frenchman by name Chapuy, who had resided in various
Proceeding» of Chapuy. places in the Gulf for the past eiuht
Secret E., July 1892, No*. 24-25. years, “half adventurer, half merchant
*»
and wholly intriguer,” as Colonel Ross described him, paid with another
Frenchman named Thormy three visits to Umm-ul-Kowein, apparently for
the purpose of purchasing shells, but really to gain an ascendancy over the
Chief in French interests.
163. During his visits to Umm-ul-Kowein, M. Chapuy gave some valu-
able presents to the Chief and became very intimate with him. The Chief
seems to havq been deeply impressed with the power of France, inability of
the British to interfere with dhows carrying French colours, and practical
impunity with which the Sur boats about 30 in number carried slaves under
the protection of the French flag. He seems to have welcomed with gratifica­
tion proposals—evidently made by the French visitors—for a return to status
ante quo, when his subjects carried on slave trade with so much profit, but
whioh had been put a stop by the British. He went so far as to propose to
write a letter to the French Government through the two Frenchmen stating
that any one coming to his country from the Frenoh Republic would be gladly
welcomed.
1433 Jb\ D.