Page 129 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

Part V-Cbop. XjLVII. 107

CHAPTER XXVII.

TIIE PRELIMINARY TREATIES AND THE GENERAL TREATY
OF PEACE, 1820.
231. On tho 8th January 1820 a Qoneral Treaty • of peace was concluded
in Ras-ul-Kliima between Major-General
* Aitchison't Treatiot, Volume S.
ICeir, on the part of the British Govern­
ment, and nearly all tho Chiofa of the Maritime Arabs on the Gulf of Persia,
by whom it was subsequently signed at
t Ibid.
different times and places. A separate
Preliminary t Treaty was concluded on the same date with ETassan-bin-Ali
stipulating for the surrender of all his vessels (excepting the fishing boats), the
release of all Indian prisoners and the occupation of the towns of Ras-ul-Khima
t and Mahari by the British Government.
A treaty $ was entered into with Sheikh
Sultan-bin-Saggar of Shargali for the surrender of tho towers, guns and vessels
of Shargab, Ejman and Amm-ul-Gavino and their dependencies; stipulat­
ing, however, that the British troops were not to enter tho towns or lay them
waste. Major-General Keir in forwarding to tho Government copies of these
treaties entered into a full elucidation of
Bombay Political Department, Volume 52
—49 (if 1820-1821, page 189. the principles under oach of the clauses
of the treaties (letter, dated 16th January
1820)
* *
4. Article let of the General Treaty provides for a cessation of all plunder and piracy
on the part of the contracting Arabs, this being the principle upon which those who have been
guilty are admitted to a reconciliation with the British Government.
5. Article 2nd points out the punishments that will be incurred by- such individuals
as may upractise” plunder and piracy, aud attempts to define what constitutes these crimes
as contrasted with legitimate war.
6. Artiole 3rd describes the flag that is to be in use amongst tho tribes that are parties
to tho General Treaty. In discussing this point with different Arabs I found that the
proposed flag would be tho most agreeable to the inclinations as connecting the sacred flag
which they have hitherto borne, with the white ensign, the universally recognized symbol of
peace, they are likewise aware that tho red flag is usually considered by European nations to
belong to pirates; and that their safety would consequently be greatly promoted by the
adoption of that now proposed.
7. Article 4th declares that the relations now subsisting betwixt the tribes continues
unaltered with the exception of beiug at peace with each other and also with the British
Government. This article is intended to keep manifest the broad principles on which we
have proceeded, aud to prevent any idea arising that wo wish to alter the existing relations
either of Chiefs or States; as well as to demonstrate our determination not to interfere in the
petty feuds of the subscribing powers, whilst they continue duly to obsorve tho stipulations of
this treaty.
8. Tho 5th article provides for vessels being furnished with certain papers similar to
our “ Registers ” and “Port clearances.” Considerable difficulties are likely to arise in obtain­
ing the introduction of these papers, with suoh attention to forms as to secure them from
befog liable to legal objections on the part of tho commanders of different ships of war,
exercising the right of soarch, and I ought here to observe that it may be necessary to oall for
a considerable degree of forbearance on these points for some time on the part of all vessels
cruising in these seas.
9. I anticipate other important advantages from the introduction of these papers, as well
from the beneficial effects common to all parts of the world, as from tho tendenoy they have
to introduce order, and more correct ideas of property than have hitherto existed in the Galpb.
It is to the observance of this article that I took principally as the means of preventing the
equipment qf any vessels for warlike purposes, and I consider it better to introduce restrictions
under such forms, than to impose others that might not be so effectual, although more direct
interfering as they must with the freedom necessary to commerce. •
?