Page 272 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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unreasonable periods, though they may have boon over two months out from
India, and paying no attention to claims filed by them for debts recoverable
from Turkish subjects.
270. The unsettled condition of the Katif district since 1885, and the
attempt made on the high soa by the pirate Ahmed bin Sclraan in the same
year to murder Tikamdas Dwarkadas who escaped with the loss of his right
hand and Its. 40,000 worth of pearls, further discouraged them from continuing
their residence iu that district and obliged thorn to carry on their business
transactions through local merchants who did not always look after tlio interests
of their principals, and Gnally Messrs. Gungaram Tikamdas three years ago
made another attempt to establish themselves there and sent across one of their
Mahomedan employes named Ilaji Jirna bin Naser, who was repelled by the
Turkish ollioials, and from that date tho Hindus praotically suspended direct
trade with Katif.
277. "Wo shall also note below a few specific complaints of Indian and
Bahroineso traders which were brought to tho notice of G ovemmont.

278 In January 1884 a complaint was made by a Nakoda of a native
vessel Mubarak owned by a British Indian
Impressment of a British Indian vessel ly Tur-
kith authorities at Katif, 1SS1. trader for forcibly compelling him to
External A,— Ortober 1884, Noi. 434—410. convey Turkish soldiers from Katif to
March 1605. Ncs. 169—166.
Ojair. A note verable was addressed by
the British Ambassador to the Porte requesting that a suitable indemnity might
be paid to the Captain of tho ship and that orders might be sent to tho Turkish
authorities at Basrah not to impress vessels Hying the British Flag. A copy of
this noto was sent by Assim Pasha to tho Vali at Baghdad, and Mr. Plowden
was asked to do his utmost to have the question settlod. In reply to an enquiry
by Mr. Plowden, Colonel Ross fixed a sum of Rs. 50 as a reasouablo compensa­
tion.
279. In January 1893 tho Chief of Bahrein complained to us regarding the
“ ***"“ Bahrein boats and their crewfat Katif!
External A, March 1893, No*. 108—113, The Political Resident reported, however,
(Letter No. 32, dated the 15th February 1893):—
“ The fees referred to are levied on all vessels alike and not on Bahrein boats in particular.
The port of Katif is under Turkish suzerainty, and therefore no legitimate grounds for our
interference in the matter would appear to exist. Tho Chief of Bahrein accordingly been
informed that it would not be possible to address the Ottoman Government upon tho subject,
but that if, owing to the levy of ports dues or other fees by the Turkish authorities, the voyage
to Katif is no longer profitable, the boat owners can legitimately raise their presout rates of
freight to Turkish ports. I liavo also commuuicatcd with the Resident iu Turkish Arabia in
the above sense.
280. The Indian merchants also complained of the excess of export
Non-refund of exeat export duties levied, duties levied OD them at OO0 time.
export duty of only 1 per cent, ad
Pebru*ry 1897, No*. ici—16«. valorem is leviable on exports from
M^ci899?NoO97.160""1G2, Turkey to India; but, to prevent fraudu-
jua« 1897, No«. 145-149. . lent advantage being taken of this low rate
of duty in the trade with Persia, exports to which arc liable to a higher
rate, traders sending goods by sailing vessels, are obliged to deposit 8 per cent,
before they can remove their property. Of this 8 per cent. 7 per cent, are
to be returned on production, within 121 days, of certificates showing that the
goods in question have really reached Indian ports. Though this is the rule,
British Indian traders from Bahrein had, for a long timo, been exporting dates
to India from Katif without knowing that they woro entitled to a rofuud, the
Turkish Customs authorities keeping the 7 per cent, which they should have

280-A. Though tho matter was first brought to the notice of this Residency
many years hack, it docs not appear to have been taken up strongly till 1895,
when the traders petitioned, and a protracted correspondence was commanocd