Page 164 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

142 Part V-Chap. XXXII.

II19 Persian Majesty’s Ministers nro informed of the distinguished reception of Mirz*
Bangur, Envoy on tho part of the Govcrnor-Goncral of Pars, to the Governor of Bombay, and
the favourable results attending his mission must havo been learnt with every satisfaction.
Tho British Government in India has always been solicitous to demonstrate tho high
estimation it places on tho friendship of Ilia Persian Majesty, and consequently the Honour­
able the Governor of Bombay has recoivod Mirza Bangur with every mark of respect and
kindness.
It has been deemed expedient to augmont tho detachment stationod on tho Island of
Kishm by a reinforcemont of 400 European Infantry, somo Artillery and Pioneers, and som®
ships of war havo been sent to cruizo in tho Porsian Qulph. The late discussions between the
Persian Ministers and II is Urittanic Majesty's Cliargd d'Affaires have eroatod a slight degreo
of sensation that Ilis Majesty’s regard and friendship for tho British nation has diminished.
This measure is mainly temporary and precautionary, to ensure tho aafety of tho detach­
ment. Tho additional troops will return to Bombay, when it is understood that tho Porsian
Court is still guided by those principles, which to tho present moment havo tended to unit®
po intimately the two nations. Tho stato of tho Gulpli gives reaeou to hopo that tho continua­
tion of tho original detachment will not bo much longer required.
I havo to request that Your Excellency will explain thoso circumstances to His Majesty
in a manner to prevent tho excitement of any unfavourable impressions. Your Excellency
must be aware that if a supposition should prevail that the Persian Court had in contemplation
a ehaugc in its policy towards tho British nation, the situation of the troops on the Island
of Kishm from the nature of their position, would immediately become highly precarious.
285. Tho following is tho translation of a letter from His Exoelloncy the
TJmin-ed-Dawlat to Mr. George Willock
Your letfer arrived at a favourable moment and I havo derived gratification from tho
perusal of its contents.
You give mo information of tho various attentions and tho distinguished reception
afforded by tho Governor of Bombay towards Mirza Baugur, the Envoy of His Royal High­
ness tho Govornor-Gcneral of Fars. It is evident that that persouage is actuated by those
friendly sentiments, which must exist between the mombera of two States united by the
happiest alliance.
Regarding the Island of Kishm, you notice to mo that the late discussions between the
Ministers of this State and His Brittanio Majesty’s Chargd d’Affaires have created a supposition
in the mind of the Honourable* Governor of Bombay that this Government purposed to make
some alteration in the friendship between the two States, and arising from this conjecture had
despatched soldiers and ships of war to ensure tho safety of tho troops stationod on the Island
of Kishm, lest the Arab tribos on the coast of the Persian Gulf should be induced to act
towards them in a manner contrary to the existing relations. You also mention that
when that Honourable personage should bo convinced that such a system was not meditated
by the Persian Government, the reinforcement would bo ordered to return.
His Britannic Majesty’s Chargd d’Affaires according to his own attestation, and to your
knowledge, quitted this Court pleased and satisfied. He promised to return on tho comple­
tion of his endeavours to confirm the friendly union between tho two States. Since his
departure (thank God) no event has occurred to disturb the amicable position of our affairs,
aud which can have excited distrustful suppositions.
Although the Governor-General of Fars had sent information regarding tho Island
of Kishm and had solicited permission to act agreeably to his duties, as superintendent of the
frontiers and to the principles of dominion, yet from the seat of Royalty instructions have
been issued to prohibit the adoption of measures, contrary to the good faith and friendship
of the two States: similar orders have been 6ent for tho Arab Sheiks and Governors of the
Ports.
These directions will be strictly attended to, and if the Honourable Governor should have
received in a different light the departure of the Chargd d’ Affnires and has consequently
entertained appreheusions, undoubtedly in this you have depicted to him in a cloar and
appropriate way the state of our relations, and the troops have left the I eland of Kishm.
It is proper that you should display, more than ever, your judgment in affairs
and duly inform the Honourable Governor of tho happy state of our relations. That the
friendship is firm, is every day on the increase. Amicable professions should corroborate the
alliance, and dispel every cause of apprehension and distrust. The appearance of further
suspicion may contribute to the occurrence of events contrary to good policy.
286. The Governor of Bombay bad, however, meanwhile received in June
1822 news of the amicable adjustment
Volume 36—131 of 1822. of the differences between the British
Envoy and the Persian Court, which was considered sufficient to justify to
countermand the orders for the despatch of reinforcements for Kishm (Bombay
Government's letter dated 19th June 1822 to Major Willock). It was now
decided to act upon the original resolution to remove the detachment from
Kishm.