Page 278 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

80
would, I suppose, not oppose establishment of Turkish authority on that part of Gutfur coast.
Present circumstances will probably lead to that measure. Viewing from all points this seems
best and calculated to terminate frequent recurrence of panics at Bahrein. Chief of Bahrein
concurs in this view. 1 think further interference unnecessary regarding punishment of Zoba-
rah, ns ample roliibulion has befallen tho place.”
301. Hitherto was narrated the coarse of events in regard to Zobarah as
From Resident, PortUn Gulf, No. 245, dated -lib shown by the telegraphic correspondence.
November 1878. It is necessary now.to notioo the dotailed
Political A., Jamnryl879, No. 193.
reports. The first, of these relates tho
facts on which tho Resident’s telegram, dated 31st October, referred to in
paragraph 299 of this note, was based.
302. Poliowing tho instructions of the Government of India, Colonel
Ross startod for Basrah on tho 22nd October, having first obtained from
Colonel Nixon an introductory letter to tho Wali. lie also ordered the Vulture
which had just returned to Bushiro after capturing the dhows off Hat if, as
related in paragraph 2JS of this note, to accompany him to Basrah to explain
matters if noe«i should ariso. Colonel Ross was courteously received by tho
Pasha, exchanged visits with him, and discussed the Zobarah affair. On
this point there is nothing to add to tho summary in paragraph 299 of
this note which narrates with sufficient fulness what passed at their interviews.
Colonel Ross, however, adds the following remarks:—
" The Wali was, I think, at first rather suspicious of some other object being covered by
my communications about piracies. I endeavoured to remove any such impression by
describing to His Excelleucy the importance attached by the British Government to the security
of these seas, which has been attained by so great an expenditure of labor and treasure, and
explaining how recurrence of instances of plunder and murder, unimportant as they might
seem in themselves, would, if unchecked and unpunished, soon destroy, the fruits of the labor
of bo many years.
“ Abdulla Pasha is known to be a religious fanatio, and he somewhat openly gives vent
to anti-English sentiments. Mr. Robertson informed me that in consequence he found himself
much cut off fiom the friendly intercourse which ho used to have with persons of good social
position in Basrah, Tho state of feeling seems unfortunate at present so much so that I
feel it a duty to Government to mention the matter.
** Most well-in formed persons scorn to agree that the one person competent to maintain
the province of Nejd in good order aud subjection for tho Turkish Government is Nasir
Pasha of the Montcfik tribe, now at Constantinople. It is thought also that ho would be well
disposed towards British interests, especially if British influence should contributo to liis re­
appointment to the Basrah Paslialik.
303. Tho next report deals with the circumstances summarized in
From Rfildont, Persian Gulf, No. 2G3, dated 2Gtb paragraph above 300 with the attaok
November 1&78. on Zobarah by tlie Shiekli of Bidaaand
Political A., January 1879, No. 238. Nasir bin Mubarik.
301 On hearing of this fresh complication Colonel Ross proceeded to
Bahrein, where he arrived on the 17th November. He found the Arab
anohored there, whose Commander, Captain Dicken, had taken suitable pre­
cautionary measures. The Chief of Bahrein, Sheikh Esau, came on board
tho Teaser and pressed for some action in favour of Zobarah; ho also asked
to accompany Colonel Ross in his visit to that place. He urged that if Zob­
arah were occupied by his enemies (the Sheikh of Bidaa and Nasir bin Moba-
rik), Bahrein would incur constant danger, and be exposed to sudden attacks.
1 urtlior that bis failure to aid the Naim people would turn tlicin into
enemies. Colonel Ross declined these requests, and directed the Chief to
abstain from all interference in Zobarah affairs, a docision which greatly
dissatisfied him.
305. Colonel Ross then proceeded to Zobarah and found the Sheikh of
Bidaa and Nasir bin Mobarik arranged against Moreyr. Ho writes—
On ' the 18tb, Captain Wodehouso took mo round in the Tea ter to Zobarah, whoro bo and
I landed and visited the camp of Jauira bin Mahomed Thaneo, the El-Bida Slioikh. Ho