Page 115 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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152. The cablos wcro thon busy with important tolcgraphic correspondence
botween the Secretary of State, His Excellency the Viceroy, the Political Resi­
dent, Bushire, and tho Naval Commandcr-in-Chief as to tho measures to bo
taken against the threatened attacks on Koweit by tho Turks and the Amir,
which should be read:—

No. *87.
(1) Telegram, dated the 12th August 1901.
From—Ilis Majesty’s Sccrotary of Stato for India, London,
To—His Excellency the Viceroy, Simla.
“ O’Conor instructed on 10th that, if further information shows attack on Koweit is
really intended, he should ask for explanation. If explanation unsatisfactory, he is to intimate
that toe shall if necessary, use force to prevent it as contemplated in my telegram of 14th
February 1899. Mubarak may be informed, if you think fit, that, although we do not desire
to proclaim a Protectorate, our agreement with him will be observed if he observes his engagement
to «J.”
No. 239.
[This telegram was repeated to tho Political Resident with instructions to communicate it
personally to tho Sheikh aa ordered he loft on 18th August for Koweit.]

(2) Telegram, dated tho 12th August 1901.
No. 238.
From—His Excellency tho Naval Commandor-in-Chiof, East Indian Station,
To—Tho Foreign Secretary, Simla.
" Referring to your telegram 1362-E.A., uPerseus” and “Marathon” both at Karachi
Sphinx at Bushire. “Perseus” lias been ordered to proceed to Bushire with despatch.
“ Marathon ” has heavy sick list, but has been directed to prepare for 6ea at very short
notice.”

(3) Tolcgram, dated tho 20th August 1901.
From—Ilis Excollcncy tho Naval Commandor-in-Chiof, East Indian Station, Port Louis, No. 247.
To*—'Tho Secretary to tho Government of India in tho Military .‘Marino) Department.
“ Perseus at Koweit Sphinx left Buslu're to-day for samo placo, conveying Resident in the
Persian Gulf. Marathon leaving Karachi for Bushire probably 22nd of August with despatch.
Request concurrence Government of India to utilise “ Assaye” in Persian Gulf if necessary.”

(4) Telegram, dated tho 23rd August 1901* No. 251.
From—Tho Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Busbiro,
To—Tho Foreign Socrctary, Simla.
“ Your telegram, 14th August. Koweit. I have returned from Koweit where I made
communication to Mubarak aa directed. Sheikh, Mohammcrab, has written to Mubarak to
ask him if he would advise messenger for Amir of Ncjd going via Koweit. Mubarak replied
that Koweit road impassable, and suggested the Najaf road. I hope soon to bear that the
Sheikh of Mohammcrah has been able to despatch Envoy. “Porseus” is at Koweit”
“Sphinx” here I hear “Marathon” is on her way to Bushire, but I do not think she is
required hero at present. I am inclined to think that she bad better wait at Karachi,
from which place she can reach Koweit within few days, if wc hear Turkey, in
disregard of warning, intends pushing attack hy land. Intense heat in Gulf now likely to
render ships inefficient. I hear from Basrah that Turkish gun-boat left 22nd August for Katar
with iuteotion of calling at Koweit. ’ Perseus will not allow her to land troops l/icre.

(6) Telegram, d&tod tho 21th August 1901. No. *08.
From—His Excelloncy tho Naval Commander-in-Chiof, East Iudinn Station, Port Louis.
To—Tho Foreign Secretary, Simla.
“Telegram received from ‘Sphinx’ Bushire, 23rd August‘ Have just returned from
Koweit with Resident in tho Persian Gulf. All quiot. Perseus remains there with orders to
preoent Turkish gun-boat landing troops, rising force if necessary. She has not left Busrah
yet. About four thousand Turkish troops are massed seven days’ journoy from Koweit
Marathon will & rivo Bushire, 2Qth August. May I uso force if necessary ?