Page 129 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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227. In wiring this proposal to the Secretary of State His Excellency the -
Viceroy observed—
No. C03.
« Komball'a proposal scorns roasonablo. It is for consideration whether Turks should
not bo pressed to withdraw troops from Kowoit border. So long as they remain where they
arc we cannot withdraw our ships from Koweit.”
228. The proposal to send tho gun boat was approved. As to the other
proposal of His Excellency tho Secretary
No. C68.
of Stato observed—
u It i9 not considered expedient without further information to demand withdrawal of
Turkish troops, but O'Conor will inform Porte that forward movements of this kind are
oontrary to our understanding oblige to us send gun boat to the locality.”
220. Instructions to send a gun boat were issued by telegram to tho Admiral
on 13th February.
230. In his telegram, dated 9th February, Colonel Kemball reported that
according to tho Sheikh's assertions,
No. cc i.
Ura-Kasrwas occupied by a subject of
Koweit forty years ago and Sahwan (Safwan) was permanently occupied by
8 or 10 families, who had been there for 40 years and had paid some sort
of tribute to Koweit, and that both these places had boon considered as
Koweit territory and had been never occupied by the Turks. Tho Resident
therefore proposed that tho Turkish occupation of these places should be pro­
tested against.
231. This proposal was wired to the Secretary of State on 11th February.
The reply was—
‘‘Foreign Office has intimated to O’Conor opinion that there are insufficient ground for
protest.”
232. TFe have to note then the following telegraphic correspondence on the Secret E.,
subject :— July 190V,
Nos. 307-509.
(1) Telogram, OatoJ tho 24th Fobruary 1902.
No. 807.
From—Tho Admiral, Bombay,
To - The Foroign Socrctary, Caloulta.
“ Referring to your telegram 13th of Fobruary, No. 352-E.-A., Sphinx went up Khor
Secret E., July 1904, No*. 307-609, corrcspondcuco Abdullah and reported Turks in occupation of
cUcdi Sevwan and Ura-Kasr and Aubi*yan. Senior
Officer reports chart very iocorrect. Um-Knsr, which is opposite north-western corner of
Warba island, has the making of very good deep water harbour, and with greater facilities for
■bips and possible terminus of railway than Koweit. Arabs cousidcrably irritated at coutiuucd
advance of the Turks. Admiralty informed ”,

(2) Telegram, dated tho 25lh February 1502.
From—-Tho Political Resident in tho Persian Gulf, Bushire,
To—Tho Foreign Socrctary, Calcutta. No. SOS.
"Your telegram of tho 13th February, Koweit. Sphinx has (arrived ?) and reports tbar
uj n ^®ce.r *orty soldiers were at Um-Kasr, which is on the creek near head of Khot
Abdullah. Commander landed, and with permission of Turkish Officer visited his camp.
W hue ho was there, some Arabs who wero encamped about two miles distant approached and*
Turks appeared to have thought attack was intended. Commander, however, rc-assured both
aides and Arabs dispersed. On south-east of Uubyun island a post of one officer and twenty
iurkisu soldiers was found ; they had boon there fortnight, and evidently intend to ocoupy
place permanently, as brick bouso is being built. Full report will be sent by next mail but
mcanwhuo I do not think Turkish advance to Bubyau can be viewed by us with equanimity.
• i° j !*r0 lmPor<™o of Khor Abdullah appears to bo great, and it should be, I think, con-
siaercd by us ns within Koweit limits. It, with Bubyau, is claimed by Mubarak, who is muolt
uisturbed by Turkish occupation.”
(Rcpcatod to Secretary of Stato on 27 th Moroh.)
Na. 310.