Page 278 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

25G Port VII—Chap. LIV.

As the unsettled slate of the country would render it necessary that tho new Residency
should be made capable of defence, that circumstance alone would countenance any mis­
representation of our views, founded on the construction of such an edifice, and thcro is overy
reason to fear that any attempt of the local authorities to excite apprehension at Tchraun
might under such circumstances prove successful.
Tho jealousy which has at all times been openly manifested on this subject by tho Court
of Persia may bo traced to the current belief that our vast Empire in India grow out of a
liko establishment. The story relates that having got permission to fortify a factory for tho
purposes of traffic, we gradually extended our iuflucnco and dominion at the exponso of our
allies, and however absurd it may seem to imagine that a similar courso is contemplated at
Eushiro, on attempt to remove the impression, mado by this idle talc, would perhupa rather
tend to confirm it.
In such a slato of feeling therefore, on tho part of this Court, I should not consider it
advisablo to auitatc tho question at this particular moment, 6inco it might tend to give a
colouring, if probability to the insinuations thrown out against us by tho Sliiiaz Government,
and thcro can bo littlo doubt that tho Shah, if called upon to decido in 6uch a proposition,
would bo guided by the opinion of tho local authorities, to whom he would no doubt refer tho
business.
There is certainly every material diffcrcnco between tho position of the Resident at
Bushiro aud tho mission at Tehrauu in cases of application for jnotection. But thero can bo
no doubt that in our relations with the authorities in Bagdad, Bussora and Bushire, as well aa
in tho Lovant, whero our right is confirmed by positive capitulations, more embarrassment has
ariseu, more quarrels taken placo, aud more irritation been created, from our exerciso of this
privilege, than from any other Bourcc, and that were it practicable to do so, it would bo
extremely desirable to dispeuso with it in future. It 1wr not happened that any ease has
occurred either at Tchraun, <*r at Tabreez, which could form a precedent for the guidance of
Captain Wilson, since the British palaces at these places havo fortunately not been considered
by tho Persians as an asylum against the vengeance of those in power, perhaps because no great
political revolution has driven the people to scr-k for 6uch protection. So far, however, as
my judgment and experience go in such cases, I should feel inclined to suggest the interdiction
of tho Resident from all interference in tho intostinc quarrels of the different Chiefs, as well as
from affordiug protection to persons, obnoxious to Government, provided such interdiction
did not compromise the high name, honour, and generosity of the British nation.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,

Your most obedient humble Servant,

I. MACDONALD.
Royal Camp at Karatuppaj
The 8th July 1827.

479. When tho Shah heard of the recent events at Bushire, Hi9
Majesty deputed Ali Murad Khan, Golam
Volume 284 of 1827, pago 680.
Peshkedmut, to enquire into tho griev­
ances of the British Residency. He bad an interview with Captain Wilson on
1st August 1827, and the following is the substance of the conversation held by
them. About 10 a.m. Ali Murad Khan called on the Resident and after the
nsual compliments had taken place on both sides, he produced the King of
Persia’s Pirman and mentioned the very high esteem His Majesty held
Captain Wilson in. The Resident in reply expressed his satisfaction at the
Shah's having appointed a person of his address and qualifications to visit
Shiraz on the business mentioned on the firman; and trusted that everything
would bo arranged in a satisfactory manner. The Khan then entered
into some particulars of the circumstances under which he had been first 6ent
and stated that he was trusted with full powers to enforce the execution of
every wish or desire the Resident might have.
480. Captain Wilson then opened the subjoct by asking in what light lie
viewed the insult which had been offered to the British Besidency at Bushire
by the dregs of the population of that place, and enquired, as Sheikh Abdul
Rassul was about to return, what security thero was that a similar outrage
might not be perpetrated again. Ali Murad Khan replied that their conduct
was most inexcusable and that with regard to the Sheikh he would, if the
Resident so desired, speak to him in his presence and that of tho Prince, and