Page 123 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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180. On tlio morning of the 3rd December, the Sheikh accordingly visited
tho 11 Nakib,” and obtained three days’ grace to consider his reply, the Nakib at
tlio same time informing him that if ho accepted a Turkish protectorate, all
would be well, and he could remain at Koweit, some Turkish soldiors of course
being stationod there. The Captains of the liedbrcast and Pomone, visited the
Sheikh on his return from the Nakib, and it was arranged that “Redbreast ”
should proceed at onco to Bushire with a telegram for the Naval Commander-
in-Chief and Admiralty, and letters from the Sheikh and Captain Simons to the
Resident, “ Redbreast ” accordingly left at 1-50 p.m. with orders to await tho
Government's reply and bring it over at onco.
• 181. Previous to the “ Redbreast” leaving, however, the likelihood of tho
Nakib changing his mind about the three days, or the Government’s answer not
arriving in time had been discussed, and Captain Simons endeavoured to get
the Sheikh to agree to say in such a case that he could not reply so soon, but
must have time to consider, or to give some other evasive reply : but this ho
would not undertake to do, saying the Sultan would consider it a refusal and
punish him, in caso he was not supported by tho British Government : finally,
however, he agreed not to make terms with the Turks before the English Gov­
ernment’s answer was received, if the British ships threatened to bombard
Koweit if he did so, as tho Sultan could not then blame him.
182. Next day, on the morning of the 4th December, possibly on account of
the “ Redbreast’s ” departure the Nakib sent to say he had changed his mind,
and could not give tho Sheikh any more time to consider his reply. He wished
to leave for Basrah that night, and although the Sheikh again tried to obtain
time, the Nakib would not grant it. An appointment, was, therefore, made for
the Nakib that afternoon at the Sheikh’s house; and Captain Simons again
endeavoured in the forenoon to persuade the Sheikh to give an evasive reply,
but with no effect.
183. At 2-10 in the afternoon tho “ Sphinx” arrived with an answer to the
Sheikh’s letter of the 30th from the Resident, who asked Captain Simons
to inform the Sheikh that he had telegraphed to the British Government for
instructions, and a more definite assurance of support to the Sheikh, but mean­
while the Sheikh could rely on the British Government’s support for the main­
tenance of the integrity of Koweit against the Turks, as he had alroady informed
tho Sheikh bv their orders last August. The Sheikh, however, was not satisfied
with this reply, having hoped for an answer in writing from the Resident as
to furthor definite British support; and he consequently refused to undertake
to reply himself evasively to the Sultan’s message, but wished to say that
Captain Simons would not let him reply, and as this course appeared the
only one practicable to lcoep him from committing himself, it was agreed to,
and Captain Phillips of tho" Sphinx,” Lieutenant Hand and Captain Simons
attended the interview between him and the Nakib, ■which shortly afterwards
took place, and in which he stated that Captain Simons would not let him reply,
and Captain Simons confirmed this statement, justifying his action on the
grounds of the Sultan's two threatening telegrams being a violation of his
agreement with tho British Government to preserve the status quo at Koweit,
which called for my interference. The Nakib then left, and with tho Yali’s
brother wont on board tho " Zuhaf ” that night, and sailed for Basrah at six
next morning, the “Sphinx” having previously loft at 3 in order to
report the facts. Captain Simons remained at the Sheikh’s house all day on the
4th, and slept there, as ho did not deem it advisable to leave him before the
" Zuhalf ” sailed, as without his support and presence it was quite likely the
Nakib would havo endeavoured again to persuade him to give a favourable
reply.
184. During tho interview with the Nakib in the afternoon of tho 4th, a
signalman who was making a signal from the shore to the ship, distant 2*
miles, used by permission tho Sheikh’s flagstaff (tho only one there was) and
hoisted the semaphore flag instead of tho Sheikh’s, which was observed by the
Vali’s brother, who asked if the British flag was hoisted already. Tho cir­
cumstance was explained, however, to him, and the Nakib seemed quite satis­
fied. Another flag-staff has sinco been put up for signalling purposos. The
Vali’s brother also romarked that they had got no answer from tho Sheikh,
which they came for.