Page 277 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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take any Fle-p*, you arc to report the fact to the Government of India, with a detailed des­
cription of tho measures you would propose to take. Should any further outrages take place
by 6ca, you are authorized to punish tho offenders at once, whatever may be their nationality.
" In respect to Bahrein, I am to request that you will satisfy yourself of the degree of
blame attaching to the Chief, and that you will report for s.irntion the punitive measures
which you propose to tako.”
297. On tho 17tli October the Resident applied for further instructions
on certain points connected with his re­
Politieal A., December 1878. No. 4.
ference to the Turkish authorities, lie
was fold in reply (dated 12th October) that it was intended that he should address
the Governor of Basrah, to whom, within reasonable limits, the nature, ex-
tont, and time of punishment should he left. British naval assistance was
only to be granted on condition that the Turks employed regular forces. Tho
Bedouins were not to be interfered with by land, but authority was given to
suppress piracy by sea.
298. On tho 21st October Colonel Ross report'd that the Vulture had
captured 15 piratical dhows oil Katif
Political A., December 1878, No. C.
and surrendered them to tho Turkish Gov­
ernor. Three other dhows and four boats had been captured from the Beni
llnjir south of Katif, two of them being Bahrein vessels. The Resident’s
proceedings were approved and a full report called for.
299. On tho 31st October the Resident telegraphed further about Zobarah.
Ho bad personally laid before the Gov­
Political A., December 1878, No. 23.
ernor of Basrah the evidence against that
place. The Governor had undertaken it's punishment, hut desired first to verify
proofs by independent, evidence. Cornel Boss bad offered naval assistance,
but the Governor evidently was not desirous to avail himself of the offer ; at
the same time bo promised to repress and punish offenders elsewhere. Colonel
Ross also informed the Governor of the operations of the Vulture noted in
the preceding paragraph and showed him the Governor of Katif’s written
acknowledgment for the captured vessels. Theso communications were received
with attention and apparently in a friendly spirit. In reply, tho Govern­
ment of India instructed Colonel Ross to report, tho measures taken by the
Turkish authorities for the punishment of Zobarab, or, if they refused, to ask
their reasons for holdiug back.
300. On the 16th November Colonel Ross telegraphed that the Command­
er of Her Majesty’s S. Arab at Bahrein
Political A., December 1878, No. 48.
wrote that he bad received a report of the
capture of Zobarab by the Sheikh of Bid;.a and tho Bahrein refugee Nasir bin
Mohorik at ilu* bead of a large force of Bedouins. There were fears of an
attack on Bahrein, whither Colonel Ross was pioeeediug in Her Majesty’s 8.
'l'eazer. The Government of India approved this visit, and desired Colonel
Ross to keep Bahrein to its treaty obligations; be was again authorized to
preserve the maritime peace of the Gulf, and desired to abstain from
interference with land operations. lie was also asked for information as
Pi litiral A., December lv78, No. 4f*. to the position of Zobarah towards the
•• •• ii No.-61. Turkish Government. He. replied on the
22nd confirming the attack upon Zobarah which had been ontirely destroyed
with tho exception of an outlying fort called Moreyr, in which the Naim in­
habitants were closely besieged. The attaok was said to he in reialiasion for
piracies and raids upon Bidaa and had not been ordered by the Turkish Gov­
ernor of $asrah. The Bahrein people were alarmed, hut Colon* l Boss had
n« titled that any attempt on Bahrein would be forcibly repollod by the British
ships, and precautionary measures to this end had been taken. The Turkish
Governor of Basrah had also sent, to warn Sitina against attacking Baluein.
Colonel Boss had no: interfered with land operations. With regard to Zobarah,
the Residon- observod ns follows
4‘ About po ition Zobarah toward* Turks —Hitherto no relations exbtod as Bahrein
claims over Zobar.ih wero disallowed by Gjvvrument of India iu 1874; and Uotcrnmout