Page 268 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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201. In May 1883 Major Henry Trotter, tlio Military Attache at Constan­
tinople reported tluit two gun-vessels, Shn it
Secret E.| Auguit 1883, Nos. G2-G3.
and Fratt wore launched at the Govern­
ment dockyard at Constantinople for service in connection with the slave trade
in the lied Sea and Persian Gulf.
2(52. In December 1887 the corvottc Jluzuffcr and tho despatch boat
Sureya of tho Ottoman Navy left ostensi­
Eitcrcnl A., Auguit 1883, Nos. 41-llG, No 410.
bly for tho Mediterranean, but it was
discovered subsequently that they proceeded to the lied Sea in company with two
other ships of the Mahsounneo and company having on hoard 2,000 recruits for
tho Yemen and llojnj. Tho two latter ships then proceeded to tho Persian
Gulf, taking military stores. It was also in contemplation to send additional
ships, ostensibly for tho purpose of showing tho Ottoman flag during the pilgrim
season.
263. In view of tho constant pressure brought to bear upon the Porto to
take measures to punish tho pirates on tho 'Katif waters and to enforce com­
pensation from them, tho question was whether Her Majesty’s Government
could object to this ro-enforoement of the Turkish naval force. As to the views
of Her Majesty’s Government on this point—See Chapter Jiighth (VI).
261. It oppearod from the reports of Mr. Dobertson, the Assistant Politi­
Turkish measures for cstnblishing their cal Agent, Basrah, (a) No. 122, of 12th
jurisdiction on a firmer basis on tho Arab March and (b) No. 135 of tllO 22nd March
coast. Increase of Turkish forces in Katar,
1888-1680. 188*5, that Nafiz Pasha, the Turkish Gov­
Kxierutl A , Auguit 1888, No*. 411—4lG. ernor-General of Basrah, had early in that
External A., February !Sb9, No*. 33G—3-lG.
year visited Katif and Katar with tho
objoct of taking measures for the suppression of piracy in the Persian Gulf,
and that he had taken pledges from Sheikh Jasiin-Bm-Thani of Katar, and
MjSfiammad-bin-Abdul Wahab of Darain, for the security of tho coasts and
waters within their influence and jurisdiction, and had left with Jasim bin
Thani a steam-launch and crew to he used in patrolling tho coasts. 11 is Ex­
cellency also provided coal depots at Itas-cl-Tanuvah and Bidaa. As a further
measuro for tho security of tho waters of the Persian Gulf, the Governor-Gen­
eral of Basrah also established military posts at Bidaa, and a complete battalion
of infantry, numbering about 400 men, was subsequently despatched from
Basrah to form garrisons for the above mentioned places. The garrisons woro,
however, placed there with tho ostensible object of carrying out the wishes of
Her Majesty’s Government for tho effectual suppression of piracy on the
west coast of the Persian Gulf.
2G5. Theso facts were reported by tho British Ambassador at Constan­
tinople to the Foreign Oflice, and on reference having been made to the India
Office the following opinion was expressed by the Secretary of State for India :—
“ Lord Cross thinks it may be sufficient for the present to acquaint Sir
W. White, if tho Marques of Salisbury
Pro. No. 345 of External A., Fcbruai t 18S9. No*.
336-346. sees no objection thereto, that Jler Majes­
ty's Government do not consider that the
Forte is in effective occupation of the Arabian Coast beyond Katif, and that
they a'lhcre to the declaration made in 1883 that the claim of the Porte to
rights of sovereignty over Katar coast is not admitted by ncr Majesty’s Gov­
ernment. -But as there is no reason to anticipate that any practical result
would be attained by provoking a discussion with the Turkish Government (W
to the extent of its jurisdiction on that coast, it is undesirable to raise the
question at the present time."
This view was concurred in by the Foreign Oflice and communicated to
Sir W. White (Despatch No. 338, dated 5th November 1888).
20G. The Porte wished now to give a plain indication of its determination
to assert its jurisdiction in ICatnr. In
1859.
July 1880, Sir W. While received a pro-
memoria from the Turkish