Page 82 - The Persian Gulf Historical Summaries (1907-1953) Vol IV_Neat

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encroachment, declared that he could not tolerate
the notion of the Persian authorities, and, in
virtue of Treaty relations, appealed to His
Majesty's Govornmont to take the necessary
steps with a view to preventing such interference
with his territory.
Major Cox, the British Resident, in commenting India Ofllco,
subsequently on the irresponsible action of the AuffU8t I9,1904,
Customs officials on this occasion, wrote as
follows:—

“ I would obsorvo, in conclusion, that signs
are not wanting to my mind to incline me to
the belief that if wo do not maiutaiu a vigorous
policy in connection with theso islands in the
Gulf, it will not he long before wo are con­
fronted with difficulties in regard to the adjacent
pearl fisheries, the preservation of which under
the time-honoured conditions has always been
oue of the fundamental features of our policy in
these waters.”

The Government of India took a serious view
of the incident, and proposed to dispatch a gun­
boat to the islands, with a representative of the
Sheikh of Shargah on board, to haul down the
Persian flag, reinstate the Jowasmi flag, and
remove the guards to Persian territory.
It was decided, however, in the first instance Sir A. Harding®,
to make representations to the Persian Govern- graphic,^May 24,
ment, and on the 24th May.IIis Majesty’s Minister 1904.
reported that they had telegraphed orders to
Bushiro to remove the flags and guards from
Aim .Musa and Tarab, while reserving their right
to discuss with His Majesty’s Government the
respective claims to the island.
The following is the text of a note addressed
by His Majesty's Minister to the Persian Govern­
ment on the 15th June, 1904 :—
“ Your Excellency, Sir A. Harding®,
“ I have had the honour to receive your note of No. 104, June 15,
yesterday’s dato respecting Tunib and Abu Musa, and 1904.
shall bo happy to transmit to the Government of India
any proofs with which you may favour mo that the
claims of tho Persian Government to tho ownership of
these islands outweigh those of tho Sheikh of Shargah.
“ Your Excellency must, however, understand that I
cannot agree to the suggestion, of which I hear for tho
first time, that this Trucial Chief should not bo per­
mitted to replace his flug pulled down by tho Pcisiau
Customs officials, und I would remind you in this con­
nection that wo have not insisted upon tho Persian