Page 283 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

Part VII—Chap. LVI. 261

CHAPTER LVI.
SHEIKH ABDUL RASSUL SEEKS BRITISH PROTECTION, 1828.

480. In his letter, dated 8tli January 1828, the Resident reported to
tho Bombay Government that Sheikh
Volumo 315 of 1828.
Abdul Ra^sul had sent him through the
Mirza of the Residency a particular message. Sheikh Abdul Itassul was
desirous of expressing before the Resident and several other individuals his
extreme anxiety to connect himself in tho closest inanuor possiblo with the
British Government, to consider himself in future as belonging to it, and to be
looked upon by it as one of its dependants; the Sheikh wished at the same
time to enter into any engagements with the Resident and the Government that
tho Resident might consider expedient, that being particularly desirous that
this proposition should not be made public, tho Sheikh would write a letter to
the Governor of Bombay to say that whatever communication tho Resident
might mako to him touching the above subject was to be considered as if from
the Sheikh himself, and that any answer which Sir John Malcolm should send
could be communicated to the Sheikh verbally.
The Resident believed that tins move of the Sheikh was entirely sponta­
neous, and doubtless arose from his fears of what might happen in the event
of Russia choosing to assume a decided influence in Persia, which tho Sheikh
seemed to consider entirely at the option of that Power. i
487A. The Resident returned an answer to following effect:—
The Resident had received the Sheikh’s message. There was no necessity
for any fresh assurance on the part of the Sheikh of his friendly feeling towards
the British Government, as the Resident was aware of the Sheikh’s attach­
ment to its ancient ally the King of Persia, between whom and it there existed
the closest connection by treaty.
487B. On the delivery of this message the Sheikh observed that he was
awaro of the connection that existed between the British Government and the
King of Persia, who of course was his master, and towards whom he could never
for a moment think of changing; all he meant was to show how friendly he was
inclined, and devoted to the British Government. The Resident also forwarded a
letter to the address of the Hon’ble the Governor, sent by the Sheikh for
translation, of tho contents of which letter be was not aware, but he had
little doubt of its relating to the subject above mentioned, as the Sheikh seemed
deeply interested in the present posture of affairs in Persia. He called on the
Resident personally and again brought the subject forward by alluding to the
message which he intimated he had sent by the Mirza. Captain Wilson
observed that he had received it and that any further assurance of his friendly
feelings were quite superfluous. The Sheikh then alluded to misunderstandings
that had existed between him and former Residents, and expressed his earnest
desire to be on the best terms possible with Captain Wilson, who then assured
him that he was in the same manner perfectly well disposed towards him,
and dropped the conversation.
487C. The Resident observed that he conceived the immediate object of the
Sheikh had probably been answered by his making this communication to the
Government, that the 8heikh would thereafter, either deny totally or refer
confidently to what had passed, just as might be convenient, but that the Sheikh
probably considered it safe policy at all events to be recognized as on a friendly
footing with the British Government, towards which many in that part of
Persia then looked, conceiving it deeply interested in the war carried on with
Russia, and by no means unlikely to take an active part in tho contest.
488. The views of the Governor in Council were expressed in their letter,
dated 1st Pebruary 1828:
Tho Governor in Council directs me to return the letter unopened, and to request that an
early’opportunity bo taken to convey it back to the Sheikh, that the Governor will be delighted
to receive every open mark of tho Sheikh’s friendship to tho British Government, and of his
personal regard for him, as one long acquainted with his family; no communication can be