Page 194 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

172 Part VI—Chap. XL.

II
CHAPTER XL.

BRITISH POLICY IN THE PERSIAN GULF, 1828-1829.
(1) IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS TO TIIE RESIDENT.
310. The letter of the Bombay Govornmont to the Resident, No. 1091-A.,
dated 22nd September 1823, printod below, contains important instructions as to
the policy to be followed in the Porsian Gulf, which was to look upon oursolvcs
as head of a naval confederacy for the entire suppression of piracy. The letter
contaius instructions also on other points—

To—The Resident in tho Persian Gulf, No. 1094-A., dated 22nd September 1828.
I have had the honor to recoivo and lay before tho Honorable tho Governor in Council
your dispatch of the 24th May last, No. 28, reporting tho result of your visit to the several
etntions in the Gulf and am directed to communicate to you tho instructions and seatimeuts of
Government thereon.
2. Tho conduct observed by you in your recent transactions, both as they rolate to the
Provincial Govornmeut of Shiraz and tho Chief local authority at Abushire has been approved;
an! you will coutinue to regulate it by the same principles as yon have hitherto done
exorcising your discretion on all points uot provided for by specific instructions.
8. With rospect to any interference in tho local disputes or differences, no better general
rule can be given for your guidanoe, than that suggested by the Envoy at the Court of Toheran
who, in answer to a reference upon this subject., observes. '* I should feel inclined to suggest the
interdiction of the Resident from all interference in the intestine quarrels of the different
Chiefs, as well as from affording protection to persons obnoxious to Government, provided such
interdiction did not compromise the high name, honour and generosity of the British nation.1 •
4. With respect to the late correspondence relative to British merchant vessels trading to
Persian Gulf, the Governor in Council directs that tho established penalty bonds bo taken
and their rigid execution enforced. A form of bond accompanies this letter for your informa­
tion and guidance and you are requested to report any breach of its obligations. Our situation
in this quarter, and the expense wo incur to protect the trade, entitle Government to requiro
from all English traders a strict observance of these rules, which are necossary for the
preservation of that security from which they derive such advantage.
B. The relations between the Commanders and officers of tho Marine and the Resident
have already been decided on and the Superintendent of Marine has ais>o given instructions
to those under his authority in conformity with that decision. The line is clear and decided.
the Marine in the Gulf of Tenia must, while there, be deemed tn a situation similar to
a portion of our army employed within the sphere of a Political Resident tn In-iia, and they
must consider themselves on all points connected with their communv-a'ion with the inhabit­
ants with service in the Gulf subject to the instructions and requisitions of the Political
Resident. The plan lately adopted for the distribution and regular relief of tho cruizers in
the Gulf will, there is every ground to hope, produce in a few years a complete change in
the habits of the tribes in that quarter and wean them from their piratical practices. ThiB
is a most desirable object and one of equal consequence in an economical aod political view.
To secure its accomplishment steam vessels appear best calculated in the event of any warfare,
to strike a terror amongst the Arabs that would teud greatly to make them abandon all hopes
of future success in piracy.
0. With regard to thq general affairs of the Persian Gulf we should look upon ourselves
as the head of a Naval confederacy for the entire suppression of piracy and act accordingly.
Oar superior strength makes us the arbiter to whom others will appeal, and we must take the
disadvantages as well as the advantages of such a position —***■*
* * * The language hold by yoa to the Sheik of
Bahrein reported in your despatch of the 3rd May that the Shaikhs will be made responsible
for the acts of their subjects or persons who live at or frequent their ports is approved by the
Governor in Council and the application of the principle is left to your discretion.
7. It is desirable still to abstain from all interference in any wars not arising from
piratical causes ; but as the attainment of our principal objeot, that of gradually introducing
peaceable habits among the various tribes in the Gulf, will greatly depend upon their
ceasing to have recourse to arm* upon every occasion, 1 am directed to observe that while
you continue most cautious in not giving guarantees or involving Government, you are to take
every opportunity of impressing the different Chiefs with eur desire of their remaining i