Page 91 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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Piracy rind the slave trndo would receive a blow if wo brought the placo under our pro
tcotion, and it would also onnhlc us to exercise a supervision over its trade which would un
doubtedly advance our interests iu tho Persian Gulf.
As far then as wo arc concerned, it seems advisable to fall in with Sheikh Mubarak's
views and to extend to ICowcit and its ruler the protection enjoyed by Bahrein and other
places on tho Arab Coast; but 1 am aware that the Turkish Government claims a certain
amount of inQuenco in the place, the Sheikh, for instance, flies a Turkish flag over his own
residence, and his predecessor had the title of Kaim-Makam conferred on him by the Porto.
These facts, however, do not, I think, constitute an insurmountable obstacle to tho
extention of our own influence. We have never admitted Turkish authority in Koweit, and
the Turks, ns far as I am aware, have never entered into formal agreements with the Sheikh,
nor have they ever exorcised sovereign rights at the place.
If this is correct, it would seem that the Sheikh is at liberty to enter into negotiations
with any other nation, and that there is no objection to our extending our influence in a
manner which must eventually prove advantageous to ourselves and to the advance of civili-
zation.
As mentioned in my confidential telegram already referred to, the views of Colonel Loch,
Resident, Turkish Arabia, whi :h were conveyed to me by Major Fagan, now Political Agent
at Mascat, coincide with mine

V-—(1) Mubarak’s nephew seeks British Protection ,2) Threatened
attack of Sheikhs Jasim bin Thani and Yusuf bin Ibrahim on
Koweit—1131 Question of Protectorate over Koweit discussed,
189V98.
37. It must also bo mentioned here that Lieutenant-Colonel Mowbray
reported on 7th July 1897 t« Colonel
No. 81 of Secret E., May 1898, Nos. 73—103.
Meade that the piracies near Jflao wero
organised for the most part by Sheikh Mubarak of Koweit, though the pirates
themselves were composed of both Turks and Persian subjects, that the Sheikh
was an usurper whom the rightful heir, a son of the murdered brother of the
Sheikh, was seekiug to drive from Koweit, with the assistance of his uncle Yusuf
bin Ibrahim of Dora; that he (tho nephew) had asked to be taken under the
British protection. Colonel Mowbray pointed out that there was therefore a good
opportunity for bringing Koweit under our control and thus putting down
piracies. He also reported that Yusuf biu Ibrahim had on 30th of June (1897)
attacked Koweit, but that ho had been repulsed.
38. With reference to Colonel Meades’ telegram dated 10th September
No. 116 of Secret e., November 1897, No*. 1S97—No. (14) in paragraph 35 above—
63-141. about Mr. Gaskin’s visit to Koweit, the
Viceroy tolegraphcd to tho Secretary of State on 19th September 1897 :—
“ Tho Polit ical Resident in tho Persian Gulf deputod his Assistant to Koweit to warn
Mubarak about piracy. Mubarak asks for British protection on the same terms as the
Bahrein and Trucial Chiefs, alleging that Turkey intends to absorb Koweit. Mubarak stated
that no agreement with Koweit exists. Instructions arc solicited ”.
39. In reply the Sccrotary of State tolegraphcd on 13th October that
No. i2i of Scerct e., November 1897, Nos. “ Her Majesty's. Government are not
M“wl* disposed to interfere more than necessary
for maintenance of general peace of Persian Gulf or to bring Koiceit under
protection ”.
40. On the 17th October 1897, the Political ltesident in the Persian Gulf
telograpliod :—
“My letter 25th September. It is reported that Turkish gunboat has left Basrah for if*. 122-123 of
cruise along Arabian Coast, and it is said that she is to devote particular attention to Koweit. Proceeding* cited.
If Turks absorb Koweit it will probably affect British India trade Shat-cl-Arab."
41. Upon this, the following telegram (No. 1635-E.A., dated tho 20tli
October 1897), was despatched by tho Viceroy to tho Secretary of Stato ;—
Your telegram* 13th October. Political Resident’s full roport on bis Assistant’s visit to
-Pu.gr.ph 35 Ko™‘ 5tltcs ‘!»?‘ Ko'v,cit i3 for piratical
expeditious which endanger our trade with
Shat-ol-Arab. . This is corroborated by independent reports of naval officers. Rrsidont also
ptatos Koweit is groat slayo emporium, llo now telegraphs Turkish gunboat has left Basrah
for Arabian Coast, and it is said sho will devote particular atloution to Koweit. Papers will
be posted 21st Ootobor from Simla.