Page 276 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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CHAPTER EIGHTH.
PIRACIES.
(I) Piracies in the Katif and Bahrein waters, 1878.
292. Tlio seas between the island of Bahrein and the coasts of Katif and
Katar have for long been the scones of piracies of Beni Hajir and other mar­
auding Bedouin tribes of Arabia. Wo have noticed the depredations commit­
ted by the Beni Ilajira (noted in the Katar Precis and also the Bahrein Prdcis),
6ince the occupation of tho Katif district by the Turks in 1871.. In 1878 the
Bedouin tribes gave a fuller roin to their marauding habits in the Katif waters
and the security of the Gulf became so endangered, that the British Gov­
ernment had to mako up their mind either to hold the Turkish Govern­
ment responsible for tho piracies, or to proceed on their own account to
put a stop to a intolerable stato of things. We now enter into an important
epoch in the political history of the Persian Gulf, and no apology is needed
for going minutely into the piratical acts in the Katif waters reported since
1878, and the questions as to the responsibility for order raised thereby.*
293. On the 20th September Colonel Ross telogrnphod that the Beni
Hajir had seized and plundered some
Political A.. November 1878. No. 109.
Persian vessels off Sheikh Siiaab, an island
on the Persian coast of the Gulf, and wounded two men. The same gang had
also plundered another vessel, nationality unknown, carrying off Rs. 10,000 in
cash and murdering tho Nakoda. They had then re-landed on the Katar
Coast, and Colonel Hoss suggested that the Ottoman Government should be
addressed regarding their proceedings, lie then drew attention to Zobarah,
a port on the mainland opposite Bahrein, the Chief of which was said to be
implicated, and enquired whether there was any objection to his dealing direct
with that place and using coercive measures if necessary. Turkish rule, he
said, had never been asserted there, and tho claim of Bahrein to exercise
authority had been disallowed by the Government of India
294. On the 2Lth the Resident telegraphed again reporting the result of
inquiries made by Her Majesty’s Ship
Political A., November 1878. No. 112.
Vulture. It appeared that responsibility
for the outrages complained of rested partly with the Turkish districts of
Katif aDd Bidan, but in a greater degree with Zobarah, whence two vessels
had been despatched under the Chief’s son to attack a passing boat belonging
to Katar. The Chief of Bahrein had also incurred serious culpability by re­
ceiving the Chief of Zobarah and his son as guests and by other acts. Speedy
and severe punishment of Zobarah seemed to Colonel Itoss the first measure
requisite; the Tuks would not, he thought, bo able to co-operate inasmuch &b
they were fully occupied in dealing with the Wahabis.
295. On the 6th October the Govern­
Political A., November 1878. No. 116.
ment of India telegraphed to tlm Resident
as follows:—
" Your te'egrams, 20th and 24th September. Placo before Turkish Governor full
proofs against Zobarah, and ask f--r punishment, offering naval assistance if ..iquircd. If
Governor refusft to set, report detailed measures you recommend. With regt-.^l Uahrein,
satisfy yourself aa to facts, and report proposals. In regard to Hesidcn-y steamer, arrange to
use war vessels, which will bo reinforced if possible. You are authorized to use force to 6top
any future piracies by sea.”
296. In a letter of the same date those
Political A., November 1678, No. 116.
instructions were amplified as follows :—
“ In replyt I am to say that, while the Government of India will not permit the mari­
time peace of tho Persian Gulf to be disturbed by expeditions, e\cn though they proceed
from ports actually in Turkish possfs*ion, they consider that, before uny steps nro taken to
bring Zobarah to acc-unt, tho Turkish local authorities should ho communicated with. You
are, therefore, dircoted to placo in tho hands of tho Turkish Governor the report of tho Officer
Commanding Her Mnjc-tv’s Ship Vulture, as well as uny other evidence showing that Z■•ba­
nk i< guilty. You should demand that Zobarah ho properly punished and should offer any
naval assistance that it may bo in your power to gi\c. If the Turkish authorities decline to
•It may be mcut:oied here tlwt tho firet three eoclioue of tble chapter are mainly indebted to Mr. Plowdeu'a
ted other notee in the koroign Department.