Page 89 - Records of Bahrain (2)(ii)_Neat

The re-opening of the Persian claim, 1885-1888 415

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Telegram, No. 424-E., dated the 33rd February 1888.
Frdm—The Viceroy, Calcutta,
To—The Secretary of State, London.
Foreign. Secret. My telegram of 17th. Resident, Bushirc, .telegraphs he-has been
informed General llaji Ahmad visited some ports on Pirate Coast endeavouring to
induce Chiefs to restore. Persian flag, hut was unsuccessful and has returned Uundcr Abbas.
Malck has been ordered proceed Gullur in connection with Persian claim agaiust Chief.
Nicolsou has assured us that uo action against Bahrein was ever contemplated.

Telegram, dated Bushjrc, the 21st February 1888.
From—The Political Resident in the Persian Gulf,
To—The'Foreign Secretary, Calcutta.
Malck has been ordered proceed Guttur in Fersefio/is in connection with Persian
claim against Chief. Governor-General, Basrah, now on Arab Coast.

Telegram, dated Bushirc, the 33rd February 1888.
From—The Political Resident in the Persian Gulf,
To—The Foreign Secretary, Calcutta.
My telegram of 3oth. Osprey proceeding Pirate Coast; Commander telegraphs from
Jask that Haji Ahmad landed at UmmH-Kawain; endeavouring to induce Chief make
friendly terms. Persia oflers many presents. No mention of flag. Haji understands
Persian Gulf belongs to Persia; thit at request of Persia, Russian Government would
shortly send vessel of war; English had no rights in Persian Gulf. Chief and people
rejected presents and requested General to leave, which he did. All Chiefs much alarmed
and have combined and formed compact to resist any land (claim ?) of Persia's. Rumour
Persia intends hoisting flag at Angelo Island and Chiefs resolve to resist. Evident inten­
tion to assert Persia's authority due to Russian intrigue. Malck signs himself Governor,
Persian Gulf. Verscp«lix at Jnsk landed one hundred and twenty soldiers. Above is
substance of Senior Naval Ofliccr's report. Chargd d’ Affaires informed.

Telegram, dated Bushirc, the 25th February 1888.
From—The Political Resident in the Persian Gulf,
To—The Foreign Secretary, Calcutta.
My telegram of the 23rd February Following telegram received from British Charge
d'Affaircs:—Ainin-cs-Sullan, to whom I communicated proceedings of llaji Ahmad,
declares they were done entirely without his knowledge or instructions. This may be
taken for what it is worth. He says that he will repremand Haji and ask him for explana­
tions.

Telegram, dated Bushirc, the 22nd March 1888.
From—The Political Resident in the Persian Gulf,
To—The Foreign Secretary, Calcutta.
Following telegram was despatched to British Charg6 d’Affaircs, Tehran
Customs Houses and Government of all Persian ports transferred from Malck, who
retains no official post, lie now wishes to regain former fooling with us, and in order
(to) show he was not instigator of unfriendly acts and policy, makes disclosures, and
shows telegrams to prove that all was dictated by Amin-cs-Sultan. This was evidently
under Russian influence. Amin plainly hinted that Russian officers would plan defences
of Persian Coast. Great importance seems to have been attached to these measures which
obviously indicate preparing for an anticipated clashing of interests. Malck vowed he
was latterly frightened at magnitude of plans. It seems that Shah was not wholcly ignorant
of these matters. Do you desire me now to get Mitlek to stir about Karun? lie thinks
he could obtain conccsiion. 1 have doubts. Amir offered Malck Government of Kcaw ?
Declined, Secret.