Page 157 - The Persian Gulf Historical Summaries (1907-1953) Vol IV_Neat

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IV.—Mohammerah.

Sheikh Khazul is the acknowledged Head
of the Mu liaison tribe of tlio Chanb Arabs,
living on both sides of the Karun, from near
Shuster to its junction with the Shat-cJ-Arab
near Mohammerah, and on the left bank of the
Shat-cl-Arab from Mohammerali to its mouth,
and between the Tigris and the Shat-cl-Arab to
the west, and to the Jcrrish River on the east.
Mi-. Spring-Rico, As regards the Persian Government, the
No. 15,
March 20, 1900. position of the Sheikh, who murdered his brother,
Sheikh Mizal, in 1897, has always been that of a
great feudal Prince, who in smaller matters has
thought it well to humour the Central Govern­
ment while remaining at the same time extremely
jealous in matters touching his quasi-indepen­
dence.
His attitude to British interests has been
friendly, and in striking contrast to that of the
Persian officials in Soutli-west Persia.
Ever since 1898 the Sheikh has shown himself
nervous about his position in the event of the
break-up of the Persian Empire, and anxious to
obtain guarantees regarding the independence of
his territories in certain eventualities.
In November 1899, when Sir M. Durand
visited the Kurun, the Sheikh made a request
for assurances. While declining to afford
guarantees of the nature desired, Sir M. Durand
intimated to him that “ ho might rely upon our
help whenever we could give it without ill-faith
to the Persian Government.”
The intention formed by the Central Govern­
ment in 1900 to include Mohammerah in the
newly organized Customs system increased the
anxiety of the Sheikh to obtain some kind of
guarantee, the raoro so since rumours were
prevalent that the contemplated changes would
be used as a pretext for putting an end to his
power as that of the last of the great feudal
Chiefs of Persia.
Pears were also entertained that if the Sheikh
woro forcibly to resist any such attempts the
Persian Government would retaliate by their
favourite method of intrigue, and endeavour to
create dissension in the Chaab tribo by setting
up the nephew of Sheikh Khazal, Sheikh Aboud.
who resided at Ahwaz, and was not on the most
oordial torms with his uuolo.
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