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(C) Telegram, No 1475-E.A,, dalod tlio 2Gth August 1901.
No. £54.1
From—The Foreign Secretary, Simla,
To—The Political Resident in tho Porsian Gulf, Bushiro.
"Your tolcgram, 23rd. " Marathon "left Karachi, 22nd. If you think her
13uehire unnecessary at present she can return Karachi till wanted". retention

(7) Telegram, No. 147G-E.A., dated tbo 2Gtk August 1901.
No. 255. From—The Foreign Secretary, Simla,
To—His Excelloncy tho Naval Coramandor-in-Chicf, East Indian Station, Port Louis.
Your telegram, 21th. His Majesty’s Government have instructed Ambassador Cons-
tantinople, that, if attack on Koweit appears to be intended, he should ask for explanation
If explanation unsatisfactory, he will intimato that wo shall, if necessary, use force to prevent
it. Perstus can, therefore, uso force, if necessary, to prevent landing at Koweit of Turkish
troops.
No. 256. 153. Matters were then precipitated by the prompt and decisive action taken by the
Commander of the Perseus, as reported in telegram, dated the 26th August from tho Political
Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushirc,
“ My telegram of the 23rd August. Koweit. Report received from Perseus that
Turkish gun-boat “ Zuhaf” arrived at Koweit 24-th August, and was told by n Perseus ”
that the landing of troops at Koweit would not be allowed. Captain of Turkish gun-boat
visited Sheikh on 25th, and did his best to persuade him to acknowledge Turkish authority
Sheikh refused and Captain then assumed threatening tone and said he would go to Busrah
and report state of affairs, and would then return with ship and troops to enforce Turkish
authority. Captain of “ Perseus ” was later on informed by Captain of “ Zuhaf '* that he
intended sailing that evening for Fao to lodge protest.”
154. The above words should be noted as a garbled account was -Hired by
the Turkish officer to tho Porte. Tho latter's threat to bring a Turkish forco
to enforce Turkish authority should bo also notod.
155. Tho Government of India then received a telegram, dated tho 30th
No. 2G2. August from His Majesty's Secretary of State as follows :—
“Following telegram received from O’Conor to Foreign Office, dated 29th August, received
to-day:—“ Minister of Foreign Affairs says that Wall of Basrah has reported that Captain of
Turkish corvette “ Zuhaf” was warned by Commander, His Majesty’s Ship “Perseus, ** to
clear out of Koweit,. that the matter was submitted to Council of Ministers yesterday, and
that he was asked, to speak to me. I explained that Wali’s report was inaccurate, but that
Commander, not knowing whether troops on board or not, probably thought it desirable,
in order to prevent possibility of unpleasant incidents, to warn Captain in a prompt way that
he had orders to prevent their landing, Minister seems fairly satisfied, butwishes to ash me
unofficially whether His Majestys Government intend to occupy Koweit. 1 said that they had
no such intention provided that Turkey did not force their hands by interfering with Sheikh
ioith whom, as he knew, we had a special arrangement. I told him I had lately heard some four
thousand troops were being concentrated about scycn days’ march from Koweit, and that it
was generally believed in Busrah that their objective was Koweit. I sincerely hoped this was
not. true, as it would cause grave trouble. The present tension, was dangerous, and any fresh
incident might seriously complicate matters; but, if ho gave me a formal assuranco that Koweit
would not bo attacked or Sheikh molested, 1 believed the situation would resume its normal
condition. I therefore strongly advised His Excellency to enable me to relieve anxiety of His
Majesty’s Government in this respect. Minister intimated he would submit matter to Sultan
this evening.
156. Action of Commander has precipitated matter ; but, if Turks really intend to attack
Kowoit, the moment for bringing question to an issue is perhaps not unfavourable.”
No. 167.
157. We have then to note carefully the following messages on the subject of
the communications between the several Powers concerned in Koweit affairs, tho
measures proposed to defend Koweit, the means adopted for interchange of
views between tho Amir of Nejd and the Sheikh of Koweit:—

Telegram, dated tbo dlh Soptembor 1901.
From—Ilia Excellency the Naval Commandor-in-Chicf, East Indian Station, Port Louis,
To—The Foreign Secretary, Simla.
“ In continuation of my telegram of the 31st August, “ Perseus " roporte rumour that
Turkey intriguing with Nejd combined action on Koweit. No present danger.