Page 288 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920_Neat

4 PERSIAN GULP ADMINISTRATION REPORT
Although tho trado in munitions had decreased on tho outbreak of
European War to an almost negligible quantity in. Mokran, there was aurj
___idorablo activity in tho northern arena. This activity, however, practical^
cons
ceased with tho cessation of German shipping. . Tho logical conclusion, therefore
is that tho Arms Traffic in the northern part of the Gulf has, to. a largo extent*
been rccontly kept alivo by tho Germans. Whether their motives wore purely
commercial or ulterior we may never know, ovidcnco points to tho latter. ^
Since the arrival of tho Indian Expeditionary Force at Bahrain and the
capture of Basra, by the British, the Arms Traffic in tho northern part of the
Gulf has also assumed a practically negligible quantity.
There is reason to suppose that there is a certain quantity of munition*
remaining in Katr, which in all probability will bo absorbed by the Arab
’tribes in the vicinity. Still a few may find, their way over to tho Mekran
Coast. The stocks of arms on the Batineh Coast are finished and the only
likely prospects of replenishment in tho future are in the event of peaco being
declared with the Imam in Oman, when undoubtedly his followers and those
of tho Sultan of Maskat will ho only too ready to disposo of their arms to the
first buyer. The same applies to the armed tribes in tho northern part of the
Gulf and on tho banks of the Tigris and Euphrates, unless effective measure
are taken to control tho disposition of arms.

E, C. WITHERS, Lieutenant, R.I.M.,

Intelligence Officer, Persian Gulf.
Bushire, i

The BOth May 1916.