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has ordered a present to be made him from provincial treasury which is empty. I hear Amir of
Nejd threatens to attack Kowoit, lltli January, after Itumzau. Wali and Mushir Bpend hours
dnily at telegraph oilicc, but I cannot learn purport of their communications with Constanti­
nople. I am again arranging defence of Kowoit with Sheikh in the event of Turkish attack.
Me now insists on remaining at Jehara which is contre f ir his tribe, and refuses to retire be­
fore the Turks on Koweit if necessary; but would make terms unloss British Government sent
troops as well direct there to him. If tho Turks attack Jehara in force, only troops or very
large body of seamen with field pieces can hold it, fire from ships being useless Submit, in
view of Shaikh’s dcoision and the present situation at Busrah, that all ships and field guns
available should be sent at once to Koweit and troops bo held in readiness to embark instautly
if Turks move.
Ship of war “ Varyag ” left Kowoit, 24th December, for Lingah and Bunder Abbas*
Consul from Bushire whilst here gave presents and offered assistance in the name of Russian
Government to Shaikh, if he asked for it, to maintain his independence.
Admiralty havo been informed. I have ordered tho “Fox” and “Perseus” to Koweit
from Bombay with some extra guns.”
194. Prom a message, dated 31st December 1901, sent by the Senior Naval
Officer to the Admiralty it appears that at tho urgent request of tho Sheikh,
owing to tlio Port at Jehara being 5 miles from nearest ship have placed two
Nordenfeldt guns and two maxims in it until Amir leaves vicinity of Koweit.
195. These proceedings, on being reported at Constantinople elicited a pro­
test from the Porte. A remonstrance to Lord Lansdowno was also made by the
Turkish Ambassador.
196. The Marquess of Lansdowne thereupon addressed to Sir N. O’Conor
the following despatch ;—
“A note has been 6entlo me by the Turkish Ambassador, in which he repeats remonstranc
against the action of the British Naval Officers, and requests that they may be ordered to
abstain from interference in the internal affairs of Koweit and to removo the guns which they
have landed.
His Excellency has been informed, in reply, that tho apprehensions of the British Naval
Officers and the measures which they took were justified by the recent action of the Nakib,
which ha6 been subsequently disavowed by the Turkish Government, as well as by the threaten­
ing nature of the movements of the Amir of Nejd, who, until the last few days, has been in
tho vicinity of Koweit, and who is believed even now not to be far distant from that place ;
that token they afforded the Sheikh of Koweit the aid necessary for his protection the British
A'aval Officers had done no more than co-operate towards the maintenance of the status quo ;
that they had shown a scrupulous avoidance of any action tending to modify the relations of
the Sheikh Mubarak towards the Sultan or tho political status of Kowoit; and that they have
received instructions, as soon as it is clear that there is no longer auy danger of an attack, to
desist from their defem-ivo preparations.
Your Excellency might privately let the Porte know that the Russian Consul at Bushire
who was on board the Russian battle-ship which recently visited Koweit, urge 1 the Sheikh to
solicit tho assistance of Russia for the maintenance of his independence, and that it is doubtless
due to the pressuro and support of British ships of war that the offer was declined by him.”
107. The following telegram, dated the 26th January 1902, was also received
from Ilis Majesty’s Secretary of State :—
“ Your telegram of the 1st instant. Koweit. At request of Foreign Office, Admiralty
have instructed naval authorities to desist from defensive preparation the moment it becomes
clear that Koweit is no longer really threatened by Nejd or by Turks. Turkish Ambassador
expressed grave concern at action of naval authorities, and was informed that these untoward
occurrences were result ol the inability of Porto to control local Agents, and that, so long as
placo continued to bo threatened, they must not complain if precautionary measures are
continued.”
198. The guns wero removed afterwards from Joliara and restored to the
6kip to which they belonged.

XXIV —Prohibition of exports to Koweit from Turkish territory and
movements of the Amir of Nejd.

December 1001—Jetnuray 1902.

199, Having failed in their attempts to overawe tho Sheikh of Kowoit
by attack on his town or by foroe, the
No. 248 of Secret E. March 1002, Noi. 127-337.
Turks took another more practical step to
force his liand£. That was to starve his town—by prohibiting the export of