Page 258 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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211. Tho Beni Ilajir pursued their habitual courso of robbery. In July
1S9G a band of this tribo made a descont
Quit Adminiitration Report for 1896-97.
upon the flocks of Naim tribo in Katar
carried off no less than 3,000 9hcop, as was roported, besides a number of camels.
Tho samo rubbers having committed further depredations, Mahomed Ibn
Bash id, tho powerful ruler of Ncjd, sont to Sheikh Jasirn in November to
demand restitution of tho property plundered his subjects. This demand was
promptly complied with, and a threat from Sheikh Jasim of a goncral attack
upon the Beni ilajir, failing their restoration of tho plunder, had the desired
effect.
212. Ibrahim Pasha was succeeded by Said Pasha, who thus bocame Gov­
ernor of Husa for tho forutli time.
Said Pasha, 4th tim (1806*1000).
213. He was dismissed about the close of the year 1900, and was succeeded
by Thalib Pasha.
8ocret E., Korcxulcr 1901, No*. 74*75.
241. In September 1901, tho Commandant of the Turkish Garrison was
Thalib Pasha (1001). dismissed from his post, owing to the
External A., October 1901, Nes. 39-40.
numerous representations made agaiust
him by tho people of Hasa and Sheikh Jasim bin Thani regarding his high
handed and arbitrary attitude towards them, while carrying out the duties of
Mutassarif of the province.
215. Tho following report of Mr. Gaskin, dated 11th January 1901, will be
read with interest as throwing light on Turkish methods of administration and
policy:—
MI have the honour to report that Said Padia has been dismissed from his post of Mute-
8tcret E.. M 1801, Ho.. 71-75. 8 ,rrif of Hasa and he arrived here on the 1st Jan-
uary 1901, too late to proceed by tho Royal Mail
Steamer which left Bahrein on the same day for Basrah.
1 paid His Excellency a friendly visit on the 6th Jaiuury 1901, and throughout my visit
ho was very oommunicative and disposed to b« very friendly, and that was duo, I think, to
his being a native of Baghdad and not of a Turkish origin. From his conversation I gathered
that he has held the post of Mutcsarrif of Hasa on three occasions and has served his Govern­
ment in a similar capicity in every province in Turkish Arabia. He attributes his dismissal
to the intrigues carried on against him by the Commandant of the Turkish forces in Hasa,
whom he describes as being an ignorant Turk with no sympathy for the local people, and con-
scquently he could not get on with him. Tho commandant, it appears, had reported to the
Turkish Commander-in-Chicf at Baghdad to the effect that in consequence of Said Pasha taking
no measures to put a stop to the importation of arms into tho territory under his charge,
all the tribesmen have become possessed of arms equal to those with which the Turkish
garrison is armed, and tho Imperial forces will meet with formidable opposition in the eveut of
their haying to take the field against any truculent Chiefs. This report was forwarded on to
Constantinople and was the principal means of bringing about Said Pasha's downfall.
Ilia Excellency returned my visit on tho 8th January. He referred to the past friendship
and support extended to Turkey by Her Majesty's Government and much deprecated the
growing estrangement of the two Powers. I mentioned to him the report of tho alleged con-
cession for pearl-diving in the Persian Gulf givcu by Turkey to Germany. He was much
surprised at the rcjiort and declared tlmt about 9 years ago some foreigners applied to the
Porte for a similar concession and it was refused. lie expressed an opinion that such a conces-
sion was worthless, as Turkey had no exclusive right to any particular pearl banks and tho
Arabs are sure to oppose any operations carried out with scientific appliances.
VYith reference to the Turkish garrisons in Ilasa and Katar, Said Pasha informed ine that
he considered the employment or soldiers of tho regular army in a c- untry where so many
physical difficulties exist is a mistake, and he has suggested to his Government that the garri­
sons should be reduced and a larger number of Arab camelry from among the local tribes be
engaged to replace them. He thinks that the substitution of a portion of tho regular troops
by camelry will effect a large saving and at the same time they will have a mobilo force which
will enable them to keep the Arabs in belter check."
216. The District of Hasa was as usual, in a marked state of disorder in
1902-03. The caravan route between
Gulf Aduriniitratioo Report for 1902-03.
Ojair and Has.i was unsafe for the greater
part of the year and three large caravans were attacked and plundered by
Arabs. One of the three caravans, which left Hasa for Ojair on tho 29th April
1902. was escorted by 120 cavalry, 80 mounted irregulars aud 30 infantry and