Page 22 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920

12 PERSIAN GULP ADIUNIGTR ATION REPORT

hb wife jfrom the Arabian Micsion, in addition to the Medical Missionary
ho agreed to receive with our concurrence three years ago. 0111
Ho has also made welcome a European representative on behalf of
Grcv Paul and Company, while continuing to reject the percevering endeavour^
licraro. T7onckhaus to insinuate a Gorman representative of their firm,
Kuwait.
The K.O.I.E. which was bestowed on him in the Delhi Durbar Honom,
Gusotte was greatly appreciated by him and his people, and wont far to consol*
'him for the disappointment which he felt at not having an opportunity of bein&
:pre:ent himself. As will be seen from the Political Agent’s report His
cellency Rear Admiral the Hon’ble Sir A. Bethell co-operated most heartily jj
making the utmost of the occasion arranged for its bestowal on behalf of Hii
Majesty the King-Emperor.
His friendehip with the Shaikh of Mohammcrnh has continued to become
closer knit, and they consult each other in all important matters affecting their
Interests; moreover they are gradually increacing their territorial and moral
influence among the riverain communities of the Shatt-cl-Arab. This steady
consolidation of their interests is an interesting feature of the politics of the
Upper Gulf, and os long as it is based, as it is now, on the common intimacy
of their relations with the British Government, it is undoubtedly an useful asset
and an element of strength to our political position in the Gulf.
It was Eomewhat tantalising that the Danish traveller Herr P.aunkaier -was
enabled by a combination of circumstances in his favour to enter Central Arabia,
while it is cloned to explorers of our own nationality, but I think we may con­
sole ourselves with the hope that a change is coming over the face of Central
Arabian politics and that before long the chifting of the kaleidoscope and per­
severance in the tactful cultivation of friendly personal relations with the tribal
notables which the Political Agent pursues, will before long enable His Majesty’s
Government to remove the embargo and consider Central Arabia open to ap­
proved English explorers.

P. Z. COX, Lieut.-Colonel,
Political Resident in the Persian Gulf.

B

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