Page 105 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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comes in. Visit of the Commission to Koweit will probably c&nso complications, ns Shoikh
will cithor forbid it and Turkish escort to enter Koweit, or ho may he bought over to givn
6ito for the terminus of railway in violation of the agreement. Wratislaw will telegraph
when Commission leaves Basrah.”
101 The Government of Ind.'t in their telegram, No. 101 E. A., datofl the No.iso.
lltli January 1900, instructed the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf :—
“ Your telegram No. 4-. There does not seem lo he any sufficient reason for prohibition
by Shoikh of visit of Germans to Koweit But you should tell him in advance that, if they
propose any nrrangemont. to him whatsoever, ho should not accept without reference to you
and should abide by decision of Government of India. If you think that Shoikh will be re­
assured by presence of mau-of-war, you may scud otic. But there is no need for you to go at
present yourself.”
109. The Secretary of State telegraphed the views of Ilor Majosty’s Gov- No. 181.
ernmout on lltli January 1900:—
“ Your telegram of the 7th of January. Koweit. Lord Salisbury considers the moment
inopp«»rtuno for the proposed communication to the German Government, lie prefers waiting
until Germany shows immediate intention of addrossing Turkey, when wo can either renew
previous warning given to Porte, or come to terms with Germany as lo terminus of railway.”
110. On the 12tli Colonel Hondo telegraphed (No. 17) that lie was goiug to No. 186.
send the messago to Mubarak by the Commander of the Melpomene and send
also Hr. Gaskin to interpret.
111. On 15th January Colonel Meade reported in his telegram No. 17 that No. 187.
the Melpomene had roturned, that tho Sheikh had promised to abide by our
advice, and that the Germans had left Basrah on 13th January.
112. In his telegram, No. 18, dated the 10th January 1900, the Political
Resident in the Persian Gulf communicated further interesting news :—
" Since despatching mj telegram No. 17 yerterday, I have seen Captain Denison who
pointed out great importance of Kathama Bay, western end of Koweit harbour, which is
sheltered from the prevailing winds and has deep water olosc to the shore. He considers that
it is tho best harbour iu the Gulf, and could be made good naval and military station.
German Hailway Commission proposo to have their terminus railway at this place, and if
Germany is established there undor Turkish auspices, it will be difficult to dispossess her later
on. We think, therefore, Sheikh should assort his authority and refuse to allow Mission
without pcimission of the Government of India, to establish themselves there, make any survey
or take other step which they may assert hereafter as proof of possession and authority of
Turkey over Koweit. Under tlu sc circumstances, should Captain Denison return to Koweit
with further instructions for the Sheikh ?”
113. On 16th January tho Naval Commander-in-Chief received a telegram
from Captain Denison that tho Gormans
Eacloiaro No. 1, Pro. No. 1SS.
hacl gone to secure Kathama Bay as
terminus of their Railway, which they intended to acquire direct from the
Turks ignoring the Sheikh. Ho considered Katlmma Bay in every respect
tho best harbour in tho Persian Gulf, and thought that it should not be lost
to England, as it oould bo made a most important naval and military statiou.
114. The views of Captain Denison were telegraphed to the Secretary of No. 190.
State and His Excellency tho Viceroy aldo.l:
“ Mead* fears 6omo act on the part of tho Turks and Gormans combined, which may
afterwards ba claimed as proof of Turkish authority or possession ovrr Koweit 1 have acquaint-
ol Colonel Meade with views of Her Majesty's Government as stated in your telegram
of 11th January. But it appears to me very likely that some such action as ho fears
may forco our bauds?”
115. Under instructions from tho Government of India, Hr. Gaskin was sent
to Koweit to enquire and ascertain the facts connected with the visit of the
Commission. Hr. Gaskin had au interview with the Sheikh on 20th January,
and an account of the interview is given in
Enclosure No, 1, Pro. No. 211.
his report of oth February :—
" On Monday morning I landed and had a long interview with Sheikh Mubarak. IIo
informed rao that the Gorman Mission on reaching Jchnra, ti village about t farsakhs from
Koweit, and situated about a mile to the interior of tho w«st shore of Kathama Bay, wrote
him two letters informing him of their approach and asking for an interview with him. That
he sent no replies to llicso letter* and on the 1‘Jih instant at about 1 i». it. the German Mission
entered Koweit, and lie provided them with a house, and cntcrlauuncut as his guests. That
tho party was composed of Mr. Slcmrich, and German Consul-General at Constantinople;
Mr. Von Kapp, llio Surveyor; an Engineer, and an interpreter, with about eight servants.
They were accompanied by a lad named Abdul Karim bin Hussain Al Mislni, a native of
Basrah ; but they had no Turkish escort, and brought- no letters from tho 1'ortc, or tho Walia
of Basrah, and Bagdad, and had only a letter of introduction from tho Commander-in-Chief
at Bagdad. That during tho aftcruoon ho had a frioudly aod brief visit from them and they