Page 195 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

Part VI—Chap. XL. 173

peace with each other. Much it is hoped may bo gradually effected by your showing favor
and consideration to those who evince a disposition to conform to tho views of tho Government
upon this point.
8. It appears necessary however to make one exception to this rule. A protection has been
wisely granted to tho annual pearl fishery by tho presenco of our cruisers. It would bo to
compromise the character of this protection and to fmfeit tho benefits to be derived from it
not to insist that the pearl banks during the reason should not be the theatre of roar to any
of the Arab Chiefs, and the party infringing this rule by commencing an attack, should be
treated as a pirate.
0. You arc at liberty to proceed to every extremity to punish acts of open piracy, and
when thoro were undoubted proofs of such acts being intended should immediately adopt tho
measures most expedient to prevent them, any delay of such measures might be attended with
the worst effects, and produco a necessity for the employment of much more extended aud
expensive mcaus than would- bo nccestary to punish crime at the moment or crush incipient
danger.
10. With regard to-the potty States and tribes of tho Persian Gulf, who have not sub­
scribed the general treaty such as the people of Gromc, Kateef, etc., they may be allowed to
6ign it or not ns they wish, but they are to be distinctly informed that they will not be per­
mitted to defeat its objects by committing any acts of piracy.
* * * *
12. In cates where tho acts of piracy ore against Natives of tho Islands or shores of the
Gulf, the Chief of the tribe committing the piracy must be held responsible to make reparation
by the «estoration of the plunder or its value or in casos of murder, by giving up tho persona
by whom it uras committed, to tho parties aggrieved. When, however, the latter may be
willing {following the usages of their tribes) to compound murder, which is understood to be
eften the case, no objection exists to our admitting them to act in a manner which, however,
repugnant to our feelings, is conformable to theirs. The principle of our interference is poli­
tical and appears to be answered when tho aggrieved party i6 satisfied he has obtained what he
deems justice from the aggressor.
13. If the piracy is against a ship carrying British colours, you will insist upon the
property or its value being restored to the owners, and send 6uch of the pirates as you can
6eize, or are delivered to you, prisoners to Bombay.
14. The report of your visit to tho different parts of the Gulf with a view of ascertaining
where it would be, best to fix the Residency in the event of its ever becoming neceseary to
remove it from Abushire, establishes two facts beyond future doubt or discussion. First, that
Bassadore which has been used for svne years as the principal station of our cruisers is from its
position and other advantages ono of the most convenient that could have been chosen for that
purpose, but that it is not well situated ns a commercial port, and appears for many reasons
stated by you not to answer as the place to fix the Residency.
Secondly.—That in the event of our being at any period compelled to quit Abushire (and
manv circumstances local or general may reduce us to this necessity) that the neighbouring
small Island of Kharruck is beyond all others the most convenient to which we could retire and
that could the measure be immediately effected with the consent of the Court of Persia, it would
not only be found one of economy but of considerable advantage, both to our commercial aud
political interests. An insular situation would free us of all that mingling in local disputes
and politics which it is quite impossible for the representative to escape from as long as ho is
stationed at Abushire and which, besides other bad effects, has and will continue to embarrass
our general interests in Persia with questions which, however trivial in themselves, acquire
importance from being mixed with the claims and privileges of our subjects and agents.
Though the present may not appear a time for agitating this point, it is one to which the atten­
tion of the Supreme Government will be solicited who, if it coincido in this view, and that
expressed by you, may instruct tho Envoy at the Court of Tehran to take advantage of a
favourable opportunity, if such should ever occur, to obtain the grant of this island. It neither
has nor ever can have any value to Persia, and in our hands it must early become an emporium
of trade. Its possession would enable us to consolidate with advantage the duties of the
Residency of Abushire with those at Bussora and would contribute beyond any measure con­
templated, to the establishing of the peace aud prosperity of the Gulf, and early relieve us from
the heavy expenses to which we are now subjected for the attainment of these objects.

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