Page 265 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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256. The Foreign Sccrotary Mr. Aitcliisous’ noto on these reports discloses
the views of tlio Government of India on the problems and is quoted
below:—
" I do not supposo the Secretary of Stato ospccts any expression of tho views of tlio Gov-
eminent of India on Commander Doughty’s exposition of Gulf politics. Government have
already written fully and repeatedly to state to the Secretary of Stato their objections to the
presence of a large Turkish forco in tho Gulf, nnd I don’t see that any further writing will do
any good. It might, perhaps, be enough to acknowledge this despatch, refer to our various
letters, and tell the Secretary of State that it would be well to send an early answer.
There is any great deal that is both suggestive and true in Commander Douirhty'e letter.
It is generally understood that, since we'threw tlio Turks over in the Black Sea affair, they are
on far better terms with Kussia than they ever were before. "Whatever may he their ultimate
object, it is be)ond dispute that the Turks have, withiu the last two years, 6hown every dis­
position to extend their authority in Arabia and in tho Persian Gulf both by sea and land.
Perhaps it is inevitable ; and possibly the time has gone bye for the maintenance of our exclu­
sive authority in ihe Gulf. 1 hope not; but it looks very like it, and it certainly will be the
case if the Secretary of Slate leaves our numerous despatches on Gulf politics much longer
unanswered. But, however, that may be, I think tho opening of tho Suez Canal has made it
ten times more our interest to be on good and intimate terms with Turkey than it ever was
before, and tho course taken in t he Black Sea discussions is much to be regretted so far as tho
interest of India is concerned. Turkey is a far more valuublc ally than Persia i-<, and will,
contiuue to bo under the thumb of Russia. Wo can hardly expect to compete successfully with
Russia for influence in Persian counsels. When Gcner.d Goldsmid was in Calcutta, he told
me that the Shall did not take a siuglc step in tho discussions about the Mekrun boundary
without consulting the Russian Minister.
Now that the overland carrying trade from China has been ruined by the opening of the
canal, 1 look upon it as a matter of certainty that the Russia will sooner or later have a port
in the Persian Gulf for her commerce. Wo shall then he brought face to faco with bigger
questions than have arisen during the Nejd campaign, and it is of the utmost importance,
before that event occurs, that our position in the Gulf should be put on a well recognized and
sound fooling, and all causes of irritation with Turkey and Persia removed. If the discussions
with these Powers arc ever to bo amicably settled and, what is more important, settled in our
favour, it must be now. It will never be done if we put off till some other European Power
has established itself in the Gulf.”
257. About the close of tbo year 1871, there were rumours that in addition
to tho Lebanon and Iskanderia several
Secret, April 1S72, No*. 93—103.
more Turkish vessels would be stationed
on the Persian Gulf. Her Majesty's Charge d'Aflaires at Constantinople was
diroctod to make the necessary enquiries from Server Pasha. The answer of
Server Pasha was that he was not aware of any such intontion. lie however
added that:—
" Bussrah has always bcon, and still is a Turkish Naval station, that the number of
steamers actually employed on tho Arabian Coast is seven, two of which arc, at this moment,
under repair in a dock belonging to tho Indian Government, which has been pleased to afford
every facility for that purpose and has acquired by this obliging conduct the gratitude of tbe
Ottoman Government.”
268. Her Majesty’s Government at last directed their Ambassador at
Constantinople to make a representation to
Secret, September 1671, Noa. 20—28.
tbe Porto in regard to the Turkish pro­
ceedings in tho Persian Gulf, in the Foreign Secretary’s Despatch No. 20, dated
6th June 1872, which is quoted below : —
" I have received of late, through the Foroign Office, repeated representations from the
Government of India respecting tho proceedings of the Turkish authorities in the Persian Gulf,
more especially with reference to the increase which tho Porte has receutly made in the
number of vessels employed in those waters.
Her Majesty’s Government, howevor, cousidor that as long os Turkey is engaged in
upholding its legitimate authority in tho Gulf, they cannot ask it to curtail the means which
it considers necossary for doing so, but they may fairly say to the Poito that they trust and
expect that no attempt will bo made to extend that authority, which would raiso questions
between the Indian Government and tbo Porte, the maintenance of the existing state of things
in tho Gulf and on its borders being considered a matter of great impoitanco to the general
tranquillity of those quarters; and lhat tho prcsonco of largo Turkish armaments is generally
calculated to disquiet tho bordering countries, and must necessarily cause the British Govern­
ment to tako counteracting steps to reassure the public mind.