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extension of Turkish rulo or influence. This line should, it appears to mo, bo drawn not
far from lil-Hidna, the furthest point on the coast, to which the operations of that Government
have extended. The adjacent township of El-Wukrnn should, 1 consider, he rendered as
accompanying El-Bidaa, and so inoludod in the zone of allowable Turkish influence. Tho
southern boundary of theso distiicts might bo conveniently drawu at the 25ih degree of north
latitude."
40G. Colonel Ross noticed that a difficulty will probably arise in respect to
the Turkish pretensions to Arabia generally, but nevertheless ndvisos that tho
Turkish Government should he invited ‘ to state the exact extent of the Ara­
bian coast for which they are prepared to accept responsibility and make effi­
cient arrangements for the maintenance of order and prevention of maritime
irregularities, the British Government at the same time stating beforehand
plainly the nature and extent of British paramount influence in the samo coast,
and tho line beyond which this will be maintained. Tho islands of Bahrein
would, of courso, be so reserved as well as the entire ‘ trucial region * including
Odied.’
407. Tho next question was what action should bo takon by tho British
Government in case of the maritime peace of the Gulf being broken by expe­
ditions proceeding from acknowledged Turkish ports, and which the Turkish
authorities were unable or unwilling to put down. Colonel Ross considered it
* highly necessary to reservo the right to suppress by means of our naval forco
such irregular operations undertaken for marauding purposes in the high
sea.*
408. On the very important question of tho cfFcct which tho recognition of
Turkish rights and obligations will have upon the British aud Persian Govern­
ments Colonel Ross wrote :—
" There can be no doubt the appearencc of tho Turks in the Persian Gulf and their
acquisitions somewhat curtailed the sphere of British control and limited our influence corres­
pondingly. But practically this was unavoidable ; and as we have already for some years
abstained from the cxeroiso of active control over that portion of the coast actually, or poten­
tially, under Turkish ruie or influence, the transfer of so much of our jurisdiction may be
regarded as an accomplished fact. It having been appavont to all, from tho outset, that the
British Government did not mean to oppose Turkish progress, where our own interests were
not materially concerned, I do not. think that full recognition of Turkish rights and obliga­
tions now would injuriously affect Brilish influence and prestige as regards our own reserved
sphere. Again, were a clear understanding arrived at, as suggested, and it being plain to the
Turkish Government that no naval interference would be tolerated whero we exercise authority
and influence, there would be li:tlo inducement for tho Turks to incteasc their naval force in
tho Gulf unduly, and the British naval force will remain ns at present paramount. As re­
gards Persia, its Government and coast authorities have become accustomed to the presence of
British ships-of-war, and recqgnise the advantago accruing therefrom. They would certainly
roeent any attempt of the Turks to a6sumo a similar footing, but I do not think the latter
would seo any iuducemeut to do so.’
409. The roply of the Government of India, Despatch No. 127, dated 22nd
May 1879, was :—
*' As to territorial jurisdiction along the coast, we would admit and recognize it
herever it now practically exists. The sea line of the El IJassa district, as far south-east as
Ojair, is apparently under some Hnd of established Turkish authority; and this maybe
recognized by accepting, with reservations to be explained presently, an understanding that
the Turks desire to be held responsible Jor maritime disorders on that coast. But wo should
be averso to enter into any discussions which might appear to countenance claims by the
Turkish Government to recognition of its authority beyond Ojair, or upon any part of the !
coast of the El Katr promontory, except at El Bidda, where tho Turks appear to have some
real influence and representation. Beyond El Bidda and Wakra the Turks are not known to
have any sort of authority; and near this point begin tho territories of the Arab Chiefs who
are under treaty with the British Government for tho maintenance of ^ peace and for the res­
traint of piracy. Wo ontircly agreo with Colonel Ross that tho intrusion of Turkish authority
or influence within the territory of these maritimo trihes would bo inconsistent with the due
observance of British rights aud obligations, and would bo likely to dcrango a system which
has bceu most bcueflaial to the interests of all nations in the Gulf.
15. We may add that it will bo essential, with regard to these Treaty Chiefs, to stipu­
late that not only shall they bo freo from iulcrfcronco in their sea coast, but that on the
mainland also thoir boundaries must bo respected, so far as the limits of their territories are
known and can be varified. For otherwise it might be easy for the Ottoman Govornment to
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