Page 217 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

Part VI—Chap. XLIII. 195

(ii) Restriction of the sphere of Maritime War, 1835—1837.
346. In the courso of tho interview which Major Ilcnnoll held with the
principal Maritime Arabian Sheikhs at Bnssadoro in May 1835, ho fully
explained to thorn that tho recent outbreak of the Baniyns tribo of Abuthabi
had sufficiently proved tho necessity of further measures being adopted for tho
preservation of tho gonoral tranquillity, as woll as for the protection of the
trade of the Gulf. With this viow it was, ho added, his intontion to recommend
to tho Government that a certain distanco from tho Persian shore should bo
considered as neutral ground, and that no war vossels, oven during the period
of open hostilities, should bo allowod to cruise within the space formed by tho
coast on onosido, and tho Islands of Surdy and JBomosa on tho other. To this
intimation no objection whatever was raisod by tho assomblod Chiefs, who all
expressed their readiness to give their assent to any arrangements tho British
Government might cons’der best adapted to meet the objects proposed. As he
cuuld not then, however, be aware cf the light in which the proposition above
referred to might bo viewed by the Government, ho did not ask for the consent
of tho respective Sheikhs in writing, considering that, as a truce for six months
had just been established, thoro would bo sufficient time afforded to reooivo the
instructions of the Government upon the sub ject, before a renewal of hostilities
among the belligerent tribes was likely to take place.
347. Shortly subsequent to this meeting the state of Captain EEennelPs
health obliged him to leave the Gulf, but his suggestions on the above subject
were approved of by the Governor in Council.
348. Major Morison therefore carried out the ordors with certain modi­
fications on the proposed restrictive line
Volume 65—755 of 1838, p. 338. as explained in his letter No. 2, dated
21st January 1836:—
Adverting to Mr. Secretary Norris’despatch dated 17th July last, I havo the honor to
report having taken tho opportunity of my late visit to the Arab Coast, to impose the restric­
tion authorized in regard to war boats, by the instructions conveyed in the 3rd paragraph of
that communication, and I now beg leave to forward copy of a letter addressed iu consequence
to the Officer Commanding the Squadron in these seas.
2nd.—In explanation of having taken upon myself to still further contract the limits
proposed in Captain Hounell’s repoit of 21st May 1835,1 beg to mention that having ascer­
tained the Island of Surdy to havo been notori >us as a place of pirate rendezvous, and from
its proximity to the Persian Coast, aud central situation, calculated to afford facilities for
annoying the trade of India, most desirable to be guarded against, I considered it more ex­
pedient that the Island of Seir-Aboneid should be laid down instead, as a point of the restrictive
line; and as Bomosa 6eemed liable to the same objections, though in a lesser degree, I trust ray
having also excluded it os a resort for boats of a doubtful character, will meet with the appro­
val of Government, under the spirit of the instructions above referred to.
3rd.—I have every hope that this decisive measure will bo attended with most beneficial
effects in restoring confidence among the peaceable and well disposed, in regard to our deter­
mination not only to punish, but to guard against such 6cenea of bloodshed and outrage
as occurred during the course of last season ; while it cannot fail to impress upon all
others that the British Government are ready to enforce 6uch measures as may tend to lho
attainment of theso objects. Indeed, under our present active surveillance for the suppres­
sion of piratical, or unprovoked acts of aggression iu these seas, I must further beg to offer it
as my conviction that nothing would tend so much towards the general peace, and
amelioration in tho habits of the people in this quarter, as the employment of war boats
being altogether prohibited in the open seas; for po long as every petty Chief is allowed to
possess, and use such means of hostility, there can be no security even for those who really
feel disposed to turn their views to more peaceful pursuits; but by providing for their
safety and defence, by maintaining similar establishments; and it i3 already before Govern­
ment, how difficult it is to preveut such vessels from being occasionally employed for
purposes of more general aggression, as well as in prosecution of their own moro immediate
feuds and animosities.
4th.—With reference to the representation made by Sultan Bin Suggur as to the necessity
of his war boats occasionally passing round Capo Mussoldom, for purposes connected with the
protection of his territories upon the coast of KAorJican, I must bring to the notice of Govern­
ment that these territoiies were only acquired by his taking advantage of the disturbed
state of His Highness the Imam's affairs in 1832, and on which occasion he was only prevented
from making further encroachments upon His Highness's dominions, by our active interference,
as will be observed on advertonce to Captain Hennell’s despatch dated 30th May of that year.
5th.—As the Chief of Ras-el-Khimah’s operations in that quarter are still more likely to
assume an offensive form, than to bo required for the protection of these acquisitions, under
2 c