Page 269 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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Foreign Office to the effect that the troops in Katar were to he ro-inforced from
the .Baghdad Army Corps. In forwarding tliis pro-memorin Sir W. White
observed—
11 It is known that His Majesty the Sultan uncompromisingly asserts his rights over the
Pro. No. 131 of Socrot E., Scptcmbrr 18S0, Noa. Katar coast, and ITer .Majesty VGovornment (vide
128-137. Foreign Oflioo despatch No. 333, dated 5th Nov­
ember lsS3, previously quoted) decided a fow
months ago tbnt it was not dcsirablo to provoke a discussion with the Turkish Government as
to the extent of its jurisdiction on that coast. Your Lordship is also aware that up till very
recently Her Majesty'6 Indian Government bad very strong suspicions that Ibn Rashid, the
Emir of Nejd, contemplated warlike operations against Oman, and it was feared that this
movemont would bo suported by Ottoman troops from Masa and Katar. The Ottoman Gov­
ernment has at various times strenuously denied any such intention, and I gather from Colonel
Ross'6 despatch No. 372 of 29th December 183s, that it was currently reported that the Emir
of Jcbal Shammer had abandoned his intention of invading Oman. Whether or not Ibn Rashid
ever had tho intentions imputed to him, it is obvious that the chronic state of hostility betweon
the Sheikhs of Bidaa and tho Chief of Abu Dhabi on tho borders of the territories of the
Sultan of Maxkat affords a tempting opportunity to the Sultan of Turkey to extend his authority
and garrisons on the coast line in the direction of Muskat."
267. The views of the Secretary of State (Lord Cross) were asked on this
matter. Lord Cross replied that in his opiniou the Imperial interests toould
be prejudiced if the general question of the extent of the Turkish jurisdiction
on the Arabian Coast of the JPersian Gulf were raised with the Turte, and
that it would he sufficient if Sir W. White was instructed to remind tho Tur­
kish Government that Her Majesty’s Government could not view with indiff­
erence any attempt on the part of the Turkish authorities at interference or
aggression in Oman.
237-A. This view, Sir W. White, was directed by tho Foreign Office to
communicate to the Turkish Government.
Sosret E.. Scptouhcr 18S9, Noa 2S2-2S1.
26S. In June 18S9 two small gunboats described below were sent from
Constautiuoplc to Basrah for service there
issv'nm^os—ofo18"' Koa-*26—427»and Au6ust and on the Arab Coast of the Persian
Gulf:—

Kamo. Crow. Tous. Ariuaracut. Brought. Painter.

Mujdih Risan ... 30 300 29-poundcrs, Screw ... 9ft. White.
2 machine.
Sahil 30 250 Ditto Ditto Ditto Block.

269. In October 1892 the Wali of Basrah sailed for Hasa on the Cossack
with 600 troops on board. Another regi­
External A., January 1823, Noa. 133—13G.
ment was reported to have marohed to
Hasa by land. The object of this expedition was supposed to be to restore
order in the interior of Katar—(see paras. 141—146-13.,) of the Katar Trdcis.
270: Tho'gUH boat Mujdih Risan arrived at Katif in January 1891 with
90 mililary roliefs, 30 of these were lau­
Gulf Admh.ialration Report for 1898*91.
ded at Katif for Ojair and the remainder
were convoyed to Katar.
271. The appearance of small Turkish war vessels in those waters was
rather more froquent and continued in
Quit AilminiitratioQ for 1890*97.
1896, than had been usual. One of tlicso
arrived in May 1806 aud was foliowod by a second. It was reported that an