Page 161 - The Persian Gulf Historical Summaries (1907-1953) Vol IV_Neat

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as Sir A. ITardingc reported in March 1002 that
tho Russians had been making o(Ters for over a
year to reduce the Sheikh of Mohamuurah to
subjection by force, and that they had 1i.mi
pressing the Persian Government to adopt
towards him an uncompromising attitude. The
assurance was actually given after an Arrange­
ment about the Customs lmd been conclude:!,
largely owing to the friendly intervention of
His Majesty’s Government; but it was probably
only in consequence of this assurance that the
Sheikh consented to avoid friction and to make
the new Arrangement work smoothly.
On the 24th December, 1003, Sir A. Ilnrdingc
addressed a noto to the Sheikh confirming tho
assurance of 1U02, and adding that he might rest
assured of the support of the .British Government
so long as lie on his side observed the con­
ditions of the Arrangement made with the
Persian Government.
Sir A. Hardingo, In 1004 a Russian decoration was conferred
No. 65,
April 7, 1904. on the Sheikh and a Commercial Mission was
Consul McDouall, sent to Mohammernh.
No. 1, Oue of the principal reasons for avoiding a
August 25, 1904.
conflict between the Persian Government and the
Sheikh of Mohammernh has been the fear that
such an event would raise the much larger
question of the Turco-Persian frontier dispute.
Mohamnicrah and the surrounding district have
always been a hone of contention between the
Turks and the Persians, and only recently the
Sheikh expressed his apprehensions to 11 is
Majesty’s Consul-General at Bushire in regard to
recent developments at moro northerly points of
the frontier. The views of his Majesty’s
Government are explained in the subjoined
despatches.

“ Sir Edwanl Grey to Mr. Alarliuy.
“ (No. 21.)
“ Sir, “ Foreign Oj/iee, February 25, 11)08.
“ 1 have roceived your despatch No. 17 of the 23th
ultimo, in which you forward telegraphic correspondence
with His Majesty's Consul-General at Bushire relative
to tho apprehensions of the Sheikh of Mohammeruh in
regard to recent developments on the Turco-Persiuu
frontier.
“ 1 concur in your opinion thut a gun-boat need not
be sent to the Shatt-el-Arab under existing conditions,
and I consider that when an attack appears more
iramiuent tho precise action to bo taken by His Majesty 'a
Government can be determined.
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