Page 161 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

85
No. 330.
(2) Tologratn, No. 1627*E.A., datod (ho 9th May 1001.
From—Ilia Exoollonoy (ho Viceroy,
To—Ilia Majosty’a Socrotnry of Stoto for India.
You have, I presume, received information from tho Ambassador at Constantinople of
the details of Turkish preparations to assist Ibn-i-Rashld against Saud. Major Cox and
Mr. Crow both think that if the Turks help Iho former Sheikh Mubarak may bo com-
polled to assist the latter, if he is to retain influence with tribes.

(3) Telegram, dated Persian Gulf, tho 11th Mny 190L No. 383.
From—Muon P. Z. Cox, C.I.E., Officiating Political Rosidont in tho Persian Gulf,
To—Tho Sccrotary to tho Government of India io the Foreign Department.
It is evident from information received recently from Koweit that the Sheikh Mmbarak
is allowing quantities of ammunition nnd arms to ho imported into Koweit by tho Agents of
Goguyerand others in spilo of the periodical disclaimer. 1 should be inclined to proceed there
and interview him on the subject; but, it would be convenient if, before I can do so, I coukl
bo instructed as to whether tho Government of India desire that any special communication
should be made to Mubarak with regard to bis relations with Ibn Saud and our probable attitude
towards tho Turkish interference which provails.

(4) Telegram, dated Bushiro, tho ICth May 1901. No. 83S.
From—MiJoc P. Z. Cox, C.I.E., Officiating Political Resident in tho Persian Gulf,
To—Tho Secretary to tho Govornmout of India in tho Foreign Department
I bavo received a telegram from the Consul at Basrah reporting that 4,200 Turkish
troops with ten guns left Samawa on the 8th May in order to support Bin Rashid. I have
now received a letter dated 2nd May from Bin Saud in which he protests against Turkish inva­
sion and begs for British protection for himself and his country. Finally be urges tho use of the
telegraph in obtaining a reply from the British Government. Sheikh Mubarak forwarde to
me at the same lime an orginal letter from Bin Saud to himself of the same date as mino in
which Bin Saud reminds Mubarak that last year when the Russian and Freuch raen-of-war
visited Koweit harbour, the Russiaus pressed him, Bin Saud, to take their protection and
that on that occasion, and also subsequently when the Russian Consul at Bushiro repeated tho
overture he gladly rejected the offer altogether in consultation with Mubarak. lie continues that
the offer of assistance mado by the Russians recurs to his mind now but that it is not palatable
and be prefers following the example of Mubarak; and has therefore asked for British protection.
If our reply proves discouragiug he will doubtless try tho Russian Consul. I request early
instruction, and the presence of a gun-boat may be necessary in connection with affairs of
Koweit owing to tho Laiorcnce not being here.

(6) Telegram, No. 16G2-E.A., datod tho 20th May 1901.
No. 838.
From—Tho Secretary to tho Government of India in tho Foroign Departmont,
To—Mi joe P. Z. Cox, C.IJE., Officiating Rosident in tho Persian Gulf, Bushiro.
Please refer to your telegram of tho 11th and 16th May. Unless it is absolutely necessary
you should not visit Kcwcit at present. Question of restraining the Turks from helpiug
lbn Rashid is under the consideration of His Majesty’s Government. We have sent you
papers on tho subject by post.

(6) Tologram, No. 16G3-E.A., datod tho 20th May 1904.
No. 330.
From—HU Excellcnoy tho tho Viceroy,
To—His Majesty’s Secretary of Stalo for India.
The following telegram has been recoived from Major Cox:—Begins. I havo received........
......................Lawreucc not being hero. Ends. Wo should bo glad to- kuow whether the
representation has, as suggested in Curzon’s telegram, datod tho 2Sth April 1901, been mado to
the Porte, and, if so, what tho result is. It may become necessary to revive the proposal to
post a British Resident to Koweit in order to watch events there in the event of armed inter­
vention in this quarter being persisted in by the Turks, but we could hardly intefero so as
to prevent the importation of arms for Bin Saud.