Page 97 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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(4-) Telegram 1\, No. 85-15. A., dated the IStli January 1899. No. 601.
From—The Foreign Socrctary, Calcutta,
To—Thu Political Resident in tbo Persian Gulf, Bush ire.
You should now proceed to Kowcit, and unlcsa you arc satisfied that Mubarak is in imminent
danger of attack supported by Turks or is in precarious position, you should enter into secret
agreement with him on model of agreement with Muscat of 20th March 1891, but in more pre­
cise terms of iny telegram of 8th January binding the Sheikh, his heirs and successors. You
may also assure him of our good offices ns long as ho adheres to agreement. We rather prefer
a lump payment to an annual subsidy, but wo leave to your discretion. Sums hitherto pro­
posed in either enso seem to us excessive, ns Sheikh will probably jump at agreement. If
you promise nnnual subsidy, Rs. 8,DUO would perhaps suffice, but you must exercise your
judgment in the matter.
G3. On 2Stli of January 1S99, Colonel Meade telegraphed that ho had No. 613.
concluded secret agreement* with Mu­
• rrinted a* Appendix D to thii precis.
barak and that lie was sonding three
copies for ratification by His Excellency the Governor-General. From Colonel No. 612.
Meade’s report of his proceedings (No. 10, datod 30th January 1899), it appear­
ed that he proceeded by the Lawrence to Kowcit on 21st January with
Mr. Gaskin. Ho found the Turkish corvette Zoliaf in tlio harbour, but
Colonel Meade proceeded to the harbour without minding it. The corvette
left the place on tho afternoon of tlio 22nd. Mr. Gaskin first called on the
Sheikh. The Sheikh was evidently very gratified at this visit and, being unable
himself to go to the British ship without exciting suspicion of tho Turks, ho
deputed his brother Hamad, who was well disposed towards him. The purpose
of tho visit was then explained to Hamad Colonel Meade from enquiries lie made
was led to think that there was no reason for anticipating an immediate attack
being made on Sheikh Mubarak, whose position was further described as more
assured than it had previously been. He therefore coucluded that ho ought to
endeavour to carry out the instruction lie had received and conclude the
agreement with the Sheikh as soon as he could. Mr. Gaskin ascertained that
the Sheikh was anxious to secure—before signing the agreement—to get a written
assurance that ho would receive British support afterwards, and also to receive
Its. 15,000, equivalent to about £1,000 iu return for the engagement not to
cedo, lease, etc. On the 23rd Colonel Meade met the Sheikh aud showed him the
draft agreement. It may be noted that it contained a clause, which was not
provided for in the instructions of Government, viz., that the Sheikh should not
receive representatives from other Powers. This condition appeared to Colonel
Meade very desirable, as Mubarak had told Mr. Gaskin that he had received
overtures from tho French.
6Mubarak’s two brothers, who were invited by tho Sheikh to attest the
dooument, refused to sign it, because Colonel Meade declined to bind Govern­
ment to protect tho K owe it family in regard to their estates in Turkish territory
near Eao, which had been formerly part of Koweit, but had been gradually
absorbed by the Turks, their revenue being about £6,000 a year and the chief
source of income of the family. Mubarak assured Colonel Meade that the con­
currence of liis brothers was not necessary to mako tlio agreement binding on
his successors. Colonel Meade did not think that tho brothers were likely to
turn against Mubarak or divulgo tho agreement, but asked for authority to tell
tho Sheikh and his brothers that their interests in regard to tho Turkish estates
would bo looked after and receive the consideration of Her Majesty’s Govern­
ment.
65. The agreements entered into by Colonel Meado and the Sheikh are
printed as Appendix D to this prdois.
66. In roporting by telegram, dated 12th February, tho purport of these
agreements and Colonel Meade’s proceedings to the Secretary of State, His Ex­ No. 615
cellency the Viceroy expressed the opinion that it seemed doubtful whether the
assurance as regards tho Turkish estates should be given, and enquired whether
the agreement should be ratified.