Page 121 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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XXL—Question of discontinuance of the use of the Turkish flag at
Koweit, August—September 1901.
1G9. Tho use of llio Turkish flag hy the Sheikh of Kowcit was one lo which
tho Political officers in tho Porsian Gulf were strongly adverse, as it seemed so
inconsistent with the independent status claimed by us for tho Sheikh. When
asked tho reason for its use lie replied “ that it was flown by his father and
grandfather on such occasions as a Mahomcdan flag and did not indicate that
they wore under any control or protection of the Turks.”
170. Tho question was now pressed hy tho Political Residont. When, as
related above he was going to proceed to Koweit on 18th August ho telo-
graphed :
° Should any advice be given to Sheikh about discontinuing use of Turkish
flag ? Ho spoke to me about his at my
No. 242 of Secret E., October 1901, Noi. 184*315,
recent visit, and said ho was willing to do
so. It seems to me the continued use or Turkish flag in Kowcit will always be
source of trouble, but if Sheikh abolishes it now, tho quostion of his Pao pro­
perty may bo brought into immediate prominence
No. 243.
171. Upon this His Excellency tho Viceroy tolegraphed to the Secretary of
States on 18th August :—
“ Kcraball, who starts for Koweit Tuesday, asked if lie may adviso Sheikh to discontinue
use of Turkish flag, which he has hitherto flown as Muhammcdan flag. Sheikh is willing to
discontinue it. Action proposed might possibly raise question of Sheikh's Fao property. But
I think advice should he given. Anything tending to dissociate \ Sheikh from Turks in public
estimation is useful, while there is inconsistency in refusing to allow Turkish troops lo land
and allowing Sheikh to fly Turkish flag”
172. His Majesty’s Secretary of State telegraphed on the 28th August to
say that he had consulted the Foreign Office as to KembaH’s suggestion, that
they enquired what flag the Sheikh would fly in place of the Turkish flag, and
wore opposed to interfere with status quo or any action which could be interpreted
as an assertion of completo independence of tho Sheikh quoting Sir O’Conor’s
letter of 10th April 1900.

173. Colonel Kemball was then consulted and he replied on 2nd September
as follows
" My view is that Sheikh should fly red flag as independent Arab Chief. It seems to me
that fact of flying Turkish flag must be construed as sign of dependence, whereas wc
consider Sheikh independent, and have dealt with him as such. Events of past two-and-a-
half years have so disturbed status quo that determination of status of Koweit cannot be much
longer postponed. It seems to me that the sooner the outward emblem of Turkish supremacy
is discontinued the better."
174. Colonel Kemball’s telegram was repeatod on 4th September to the
Secretary of State, who wired His Majesty’s Government’s-decision on 25th
September.

,f Yours 4th September. Koweit. Turkish Government having agree l to drop discussion of
bins of m Uutl maintenance of status quo, His Majesty*s Government cannot consistently
contend that new departure is inevitable, and as it appears that Sheikh has fown Turkish Jlag
since 1871, they would be justified in advising Mubarak to discontinue its use. Copy of despatch
to Ambassador, Berlin, stating position of His Majesty's Government with regard to Koweit
goes to you by this week's mail. Jlis Majesty's Government have no desire to raise the question
whether Knweit is integral part of Ottoman dominion, nor to interfere with status quo or with
Sultan's authority as it exists.”
176. This message was repeated to Colonel Kemball with the addition that No. 314.
ho should avoid furthor discussion of the flag question with the Sheikh.