Page 162 - The Persian Gulf Historical Summaries (1907-1953) Vol IV_Neat

31.
” It would, however, ho advisable, in order to allay
the Sheikh’s apprehensions, to inform him that llis
Majesty’s Government aro fully ulivo to the situation,
but thnt they do not anticipate Turkish uggrorfsion in
the neighbourhood of Moliummorah, and you should
instruct Major Cox accordingly.”

'* Sir lulwanl drey to Sir H. O'Conor.
“(No. 75.)
“ Sir, '* Foreign OjJlcc, February 25, 1908.
•• 1 transmit to your Excellency herewith a copy of a
despatch from llis Majosty’s Chargd d'Afliiircs at
Tehran, relative to tho appruhensioiis of the Sheikh of
Mohainmerah in regard to recent developments on tho
Turco-Eersian frontior.
•‘As you aro aware, His Majesty's Government lmvo
been content to allow the Russian Government, as
being more closely concerned, to tako tho lead in regard
to making any proposals for arresting tho Turkish
encroachments so long as they are confined to tho
northern portion of the frontier ; but it is desirable
that your Excellency should clearly un derstand that
the position would bo materially altored if there were
to be an advance of Ottoman troops to the south, moro
especially in tho neighbourhood of Molmnunorah. In
this district His Majesty's Government are not prepared
to rccogui/.o any other frontier than that laid down by
tho mediating Commissioners in 1850, as indicated in
lvd on the accompanying skotch map ; and in this con­
nection I may recall the admission made by the
Ottoman Minister for Foreign Affairs to Her Majesty’s
Ambassador on tho 18th Novembor, 1898. to tho effect
that ‘the Turkish Government laid no claim whatever
t«» Mohammeruh.’
“ Any disturbance of tho ttatu* quo at Mohaimncrah
would afTcct British interests, and might not improbably
lead to the active intervention of llis Majesty’s Govern­
ment, who have given the Sheikh certain assurances in
regard to his territory.
•* Your Excellency should accordingly instruct llis
Majesty’s Consuls at Bagdad aud Hussorah to furnish by
telegraph early information of any aggrossivo designs in
the district in question.’’

In January 190S the British Consul-General India Office,
at Bushire reported that the Sheikh was anxious
tliat llis Majesty’s Government should guarantee
himself and his own family as lioirs in tho
eujovment of their present position. Sir h.
Grey considered that it would be advisable
to maintain on attitude of reserve on this
subject.
March 18, 1008.