Page 317 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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stand that IIov Mnjosty’s Government havo been led to this conclusion, from the promises (1)
that an increase of the Turkish Naval force in these waters is undesirable, and (2) that persis­
tence in urging the Porte to maintain order m their waters of Katif would lead to that unde•
sirable increase of Naval force.
Ab tho question is ono of much importance in connection with our efforts to 6upress
piracy in tho Persian Gulf, I vonfuro most deferentially to submit for consideration that, in the
first place, it is action on the land by the authorities on land and in districts occupied by Turkey
that is required, a fact which might bo always dwelt on in communicating with the Turkish
Government. Then, it does not appear from the disposition hitherto shown that the Porto
attaches much real importance to tho supression of piracy, or that they would go to any con­
siderable oxpenBO for that object. Certainly thev might make the representations a pretext for
reinf orcing their squadron at Basrah ; but then, if they have any wish to do that, they do not
require any invitation or permission to do so at any time.
However undesirable the increase of the Turkish squadron may be, I would respectfully
submit that the continued indifference of the Turkish authorities is seriously injuring our interests
and prestige. This latter is an existing and pressing evil; and 1 am disposed to think that the
Government of India may attach more importance to it than to the possible addition of another
vessel or so to the Turkish Naval force in these waters’\
465. The Foreign Office forwardod a copy of Colonel Boss's letter to
tho British Embassy at Constantinople
Extornul A, March 1SS9, Noi. 300*302.
(Despatch No. 18, dated 16th January
1889) observing : —
“ I must, however, leavo it to Your Excellency’s discretion whether you should make any
further representations to the Porte on the subject. I am myself inclined to doubt whether
under present circumstances such action would be useful or judicious. Tho Turkish Govern­
ment mu6t be perfectly well aware that tbo state of affairs is unsatisfactory, and it has been
repeatedly explained to them that what Her Majesty’s Government desire is that they should
take effective sleps to repress plundering expedition from the coast under .Ottoman jurisdic­
tion without endeavouring to extend the jurisdiction beyond its recognized limits. But the
only result which appears to follow representations to this effect is some measure to assist Turkish
authority beyond those limits under cover of the restoration of order.
It is difficult to suppose that this course of action is unintentional on the part, at all
•rents, of the local authorities, and it seems undesirable to give excuse for proceedings which
will cause fresh irritation and suspicion.”

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