Page 218 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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of the maritime peace. He was further requested to inform tho Porte that
the British Government intended to hold these Chiefs to their engagements.
Sir H. Elliot ropliod on tho 19th July that ho had already explained to the
Porto the nature of the arrangements with the Chiefs upon the coast of the
Persian Gulf with regard to the maritime truce, and had mado it understood
that Her Majesty’s Government would watch over their observance. The
engagements with the Chiefs contained in the State papers and ‘ HerteleVe
Treaties * had, said the Ambassador, been communicated to tho Porto, tho
Collection of Aitchison not being in the archives of the Embassy.

Observations of Midhut Pasha on the instructions given to Colonel
Pelly>
76. The instructions given to Colonel Pelly (vide paragraph 74) were com-
munioatod in writing to Midhut Pasha. Colonel Herbert telcgraphod :—
,r Yours of thirtieth received, and purport communicated in writing to Pasha ou 31st.
His Excellency replies observing that iu instructions to Pelly meution is made of Treaty
existing in name of British Government. He reiterates verbal communication that the
object of expedition fa expulsion of Saood from Kateef and Hasa, and restoration of tranquil­
lity there ; that Bahrein is not within Turkish contemplation. Expresses equal desire for
protection of vessels and pearl fisheries in those waters, and states this is arranged as a
duty of expedition. Expresses thanks that Pelly is instructed to assist in preserving ord*-r
and tranquillity. Regarding independent tribes 6tate3, if not within Nejd, that is Abdoollah’s
jurisdiction, present project has and can have no connection with them j but that if any
tribe, supposed to be independent* be in Nejd, and aiding Saood and opposing the Govern­
ment, although present design as above stated, it will becomo duty of troops to punish such
tribes. Declares non-existence and impossibility of existence of such independent tribe in
country of Nejd. I write by post.**

Expedition .prohibited by Pasha frblii approaching Bahrein.
77. In reply to a query whether Turkish vessels would disembark only at
Katif or Damaum, as contemplated in the previous March (vide paragraph 60),
Colonel Herbet re'plied^
,f Pasha states the destination of the expedition being Katif, he has given orders to
disembark the troops there, or, if necessary, at a locality close to it, which they erroneously
called Ojair, name not known, and the orders having been so given, the Commandant cannot
act contrary to tho.instructions received. Ilis Excellency does not deem necessary to issue
ordors prohibiting disembarkation at other ptfrts except Bahrein, which the expedition is pro­
hibited from approaching.”
Colonel Herbert, in a 'letter dated '24th May, writes :—
" He (». e.t Midhut Pasha) assured me his orders to the officer commanding the expedition
were that he should on no account turn hi* eyes on Bahrein, and if invited to receive hospi­
tality there, that be should decline such invitation”'
Enquiries from Persia regarding expedition.
78. Mr. Alison on the 14tli May telegraphed to Earl Granville—
11 King fa desirous of obtaining some assurance respecting Turkish expedition as affecting
Bahrein.”
In freply to this the India'Office Tequfested that the Shah might be made
*toare of the Grand Vizier’s declarations regarding the absence of all intentions
on the part of the Porte to obtain a supremacy over Bahrein, Maskat, &c.

Non-interference in political questions enjoined on Colonel Herbert.
79. In a telegram of the 2nd June, Colonel Herbot informed Govern­
ment-:—
" 1° the last number of the local Government journal eight towns of Oman, including
Sbargah, Debay, and Abuthabi, all truoial, are enumerated in list of houses and gardens of
oountry of Nejd. "Request instructions.”
Government replied
u In hll your communications with Pasha confine yourself to reminding His Excellency
of the engagement given by Government not to undertake any operations by sea beyond