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Majesty's Government the uselessness of looking to the Porte for the re-estab­
lishment of security in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the necessity of
taking the matter into our own hands1.1 (Despatch dated 14tli November
1887).
4B0. On 29th Novombor 1887, Sir W. A. TVhito reported that he had
again mado ft representation to the Grand
Ibid, No. 346.
Vizier. His Highness said, that a second
gun-boat had been despatched te the Kutif waters and that the enquiries insti­
tuted by the first gun-boat had led to the discovery of only ono case of " robbery."
It was then pointed out to His Highness that thcro could bo no doubt as to
the number of the piracies reported to Her Majesty's Government, and it was
urged that no satisfactory results could be got unless action toas taken by
land.
451. In Docorabor 1887 Mr. Robertson (Consul at Basrah) pointed out the
necessity of taking action against the Beni
llajirs, by land, sinco theso pirates were
not eea-farriug people. He also described the naval force of the Turks pre­
sent in the Persian Gulf, and expressed the opinion that " any material increase
in the Turkish naval power in those waters which might result from pressure
in connection with robberies of boats off the Kutif Coasts would be almost tin-
desirable than themselves, and that for every reason action on land should be
urged rather than action at Sea.
452. Quoting this remark of Mr. Robertson, Sir W. A. White in hi8
despatch dated 18th February 1888, men­
External A., AuguetlBSS, Noi. 411-411, (No .410).
tioned that two Turkish ships had pro­
ceeded to the Persian Gulf, and that it was in contemplation to send additional
ships, and observed :—
"I do not sec how, after having on various occasions urged the Turkish Government
to take eteps for the supression of piracies iu the the Persian Gulf, I cau now make any objec­
tion to the reinforcement of their naval force in those waters.”
453. There were reported two or throe moro piracies on tlio Katif Waters
in April and May 1S88. But this time
Extornal A., Auguit 18S8, Noe. 441-440 (No. 443).
Sir YV. White contented himself with
calling the attention of the Grand Vizior to these piracies, in view of the
opinions expressed above as to tho increase of the Turkish naval force in tlio
Persian Gulf, and asked for instructions as to further action. Her Majesty's
Government, decided that it would be
Ibid, No. 444.
undesirable to take any further steps in
the matter in view of the probability of an increase of the Turkish naval foroe
in the Persian Gulf should Her Majesty's Govertiment urge the Ottoman
Porte to take more active measures.
454. Colonel Ross did not wholly see the wisdom of this policy, and in for­
warding a letter of the Chiof of Bahrein
External A , Jonuary 1888, No«. 160-177 (No. 109).
complaining of auother act of piracy, and
pressing for energetic measures being taken to put a stop to tho piracies,
observed (Letlor No. 276 dated 15th September 1888)
11 What Sheikh Esau undoubtedly feels most keenly is the continuanco of a state of law­
lessness and insecurity at Katif and ia tho adjoining waters, where crime is on tho increase.
From the indifference of the Turkish authorities and consequent impunity to the robbore, tbe
mischief spreads and general insecurity on the seas prevail.
Owing to the shallowness of the waters about Katif, vessels of war are unable to operate,
and the only course open has been to make remonstrances to the Turkish Government. Although
no attempt to afford redress has over been apparent, still tho repeated remonstrances of Iler
Majesty's Ambassador at the Porte did, during the CJovcrnment of Nafiz Pasha at Basrah, pro­
duce some effect. Since the departure of tho Wali and cessation of British romonstrancos
matters havo gono from bad to worse, and tho coraplaiut of the Chiof of Bahrein is well
founded.
From thn latest correspondence on this subjeot, forwarded to mo undor your oflico doolret
No. I65b-E., dated 30th July lb8K, 1 'earn that Her Majestys Government consider ,%l nn
desirable to press the Government of the Porte further in regard to these complaints. I undor-