Page 120 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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162. On 21st Octobor tho Amir was at Jafc, claimed to bo within ltis territory
by Sheikh Mubarak two days’ journey
No. 1C8 of collodion cited.
from tho point of communication with
Turkey. Tho Sheikh asked tho Senior Naval Officer, Torsion Gulf for a lettor
from tho British Government to tho Amir or through Turkey, with a viow to
induco him to leave his territory and save conflict.
103. All tho efforts of Mr. Wratislaw to living about poaco between tho Amir
and the Sheikh apparently ended in smoko,
No. 103 of Ditto.
for tho Government of India rocoivcd tho
following telegram from Colonel Komball
Dated 2nd Novomber 1901.

‘*1 have beard from Wratislaw that lie has recoivod rather arrogant reply from tho Amir
of Nejd, who says that both he and Sheikh Koweit aro subjects of Sultan of Turkey, and if
Sheikh wishes to negotiate, he should address Sultan, ‘and consequently there is no margin left
for correspondence on the subject. * Wratislaw adds. ‘Amir’s Agents, however, states that
he received at the same time a privato note to tho effect that Amir wishes to become intimate
friend British Government, and he believes the above letter was for the benefit of Turkey
in case they intercepted messenger, but unless be shows mo the note which he seems
reluctant to do, I do not think any notice should be taken/ I have suggested to Wratislaw that
he should tell agent that Amir might show the sincerity of hie professions by leaving Hafer
and making peace with Mubarak. Hafer is a place within three days of Koweit where Amir
has been for some time. Mubarak claims it as his territory, and is incensed against Amir for
ctaying thcro and consuming pasture of his tribes.”
16i. The Amir soon after moved to Safwan—about 16 hours* journey from
Koweit. As events will show afterwards ho was only co-operating with the
Turks towards a coupde main against Koweit.

XX.—Question of defence of Koweit by sea and land, 1899-1901.
165. This question came into prominence during the recent proceeding .in
connection with Koweit.
. n February .1899 the Secretary of Stato, when authorising us to
use naval force to prevent a Turkish
No*. 624,625, 631, 650 and in S ccrct E, March
1889, No*. 68-69. attack on Koweit, askod for a report on
___ n _ _ the defensibility of Koweit by naval force
A- « fl?ary 1899 A^miral Douglas reported, presumably after
i • °®cers ln the Gulf, that, “ with sufficient warning to collect
ships Navy alone can undertake defenco of Koweit.”
167. The Secretary of State was informed accordingly. But in January 1900
_ , Captain Denison, the Senior Naval Officor
No.“ci°75U28 200 in s*'*E*' Octobor 190°* in the Gulf, reported " I consider a few
men-of-war could easily protect the placo
from an attack by sea, but I think a considerable force of troops would bo
necessary to defend the territory from a determined attack by the Turks in force,
for, though the people are a warlike race, one cannot bo sure to what extent
they aro to be relied on against disciplined troops.” In April 1901, when tho
Amir of Nejd was expected to attack
No». 161-162 io Secret K., Jono 1901, Nos. 118-230. Koweit, Colonel Kombell said “ I can
send ship of war, but this can only have normal elfect and may not deter Amir
if he is instructed by Turkey.”
Commander-in-Chiof tele*-
168. On the 31st August 1901 the Naval
graphed.— ,
Senior Officer Portion Gulf, report,
No*. 263 in Secret E., October 1901, No*. 184-316. por stopping advance of troops by b
range shell file from slips little use by day and none by might.