Page 235 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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139. Witli regard to tlic above Jotter, Colonel Polly wrote :—
" The English version of tlio lottcr of the Chief of Bahrein is now enclosed, and I respect­
fully solioit a careful perusal of it, for it appears to me that while this document exculpates the
Chiof of Bahrein from any intentional insult or annoyance to Turkish authority, it Icavos on
tho local Turkish authorities at Lhasa the responsibility of having selected as tbeir official
messonger a tribesman concerned, directly or indirectly, in the murder of the late Chiof of
Bahrein, and of having permitted this messengor to proceed to Bahrein unaccredited, and
carrying on his person a letter, evidencing tho wish of tbo Turkish Government to capture
Bahrein; tho time aud circumstances of transmission seom to add to tho weight of the above
responsibilities.”
140. In a letter dated 17tli January, tho Government of India expressed
their entire approval of tho proceedings of Colonel Pelly in tho matter, and
commended the prudence and sagacity displayed by him throughout tho diffi­
cult business.
141. On the 5th January Colonel Pelly telegraphed to Bombay Govern­
ment.
" Bahrein Chief has 6enfc me reply of Baghdad Pasha to his letter. Chief anxious to rely
on my advico in the mutter. Please instruct me at early convenience if I am to counsel
Chief.”
112. On tho following day he signalled
“ My telegram of yesterday. Pasha’s letter to Chief demands ten thous and silver dirhems
blood-money, and seizure and confinement of murderer. If demands not carried into effect,
Pasha able by power of Imperial Majesty to give real and actual effect thereto. It does not
appenr that Pasha comraunioated Chief’s letter to Porte as requested. Shull I suggest to
Chief to make rejoinder that ho would submit Pasha’s letter to our Government with request
that, in communication with Porte, amicable settlement might bo arrived at, and that he would
bind himself to accept settlement. I think that if reparation be demanded from Chief for
death of messenger, Chief in turn would have claims for indemnity for murderer of his father
piracy of his territory, and plunder of British and other subject on residing island. Early
instructions solicited as Hugh Hose ready to proceed to Bahrein. Telegram ends. “In view of the
request for early instructions I have,” intimated tho Governor of Bombay, '• replied that Pelly
should adviso Chief to reply os suggested, and if compelled notwithstanding to pay money under
protest and appeal to Government, Pelly directed to gain time in order that orders of Govern­
ment of India may be received if above instructions disapproved.”
143 Tho Government of India replied to the Bombay Government:—
“Inform Pelly confidentially. If thought advisable, Chief should pay demnnd; he
should do so in deposit to Pelly, pending further instructions. Any symptoms of intention to
show forco to Bahrein to be reported immediately for orders. Vessel of war should remain
near island.”
144. The intelligence was communicated to Secretary of State on the 12th
with the following request:—
“ Move Sublime Porte to refer matter to our arbitration. If indomnily bo demanded
strict orders should be issued from Constantinople to Pasha to make no attempt to support
demand by force or show of it ponding arbitration. The demand if persisted in after explana­
tion which Bahrein Chief gave Pasha rany possibly open up whole question of messenger’s
antecedents and liability for his previous acts in Bahrein. It is essential the matter be settled
diplomatically and forco bo forbidden.
“ I will advise Bahrein not to pay tho demand pending arbitration, or to deposit, it only
with Resident in Gulf.”
145. Colonel Pelly, with regard to the instructions of Government, tele­
graphed on the 16th :—
" Your telegram fourteenth. I think tho proposed dopffsit might be misinterpreted, but
solicit instructions. I would deferentially suggest that intimation of proposed reference to
Porte should be given to Pasha through Colonel Horbert, and that Ambassador to Constan­
tinople be requested to movo Porto to restrain Pasha from carrying threat into exeoution pending
arbitration. Pasha’s reply to Chiof reads to mo rather that of a disappointed aggressor threaten­
ing future retaliation than that of authority empowered to take immediate action.
Government consented to this course and informed the Secretary of State
accordingly, and it was added:—
“ It is not a point of any importanoo. Essential thing it to forlid show or use of force
and to tettle question diplomatically, I hope this will be urged,”