'File 9/50 (B 16) The Debai Incident' [‎15v] (37/492)

30
That 400 rifles should be delivered up as a fine for the attack on the
landing party from H. M.'s Ship. ■
That 50,000 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. should be paid if I did not accept the telegraph a
British Agent, and a Post Office.
s _
In the present letter you have placed the telegraph among the four condi
tions of which you require the fulfilment without fail.
-
I am hot loth to comply with your requirements, but you are a powerful
Government and we are weak people and my dependents are an ignorant com
munity, sailors and junglis, and I am even in great difficulty to administer
their own internal affairs. I, therefore, take refuge in God and then in the
British Government, and beg them, if their views in regard to me are bene
volent, and if they desire me to remain in Debai, to refrain from the contem
plation of measures calculated to bring upon me trouble in my town, and to
result in the displeasure of Government towards me. I beg Government to
walk with me in the path which has been followed in the past.
If on the Other hand Government does not want me to remain in Debai I
accept the situation and recognise that I cannot oppose them, and it were
better- that I left the place rather than place myself in a position to cause
them annoyance or to put me in a dilemma like the present one or perhaps
something worse, at a future time.
But so far as we Can do so we will comply with the demands of Govern
ment, in the directions mentioned, though without doubt we shall bring upon
ourselves difficulties of the nature mentioned below, difficulties tending to
result even in danger to my life. Nevertheless in order to satisfy Government
I see no alternative but to comply. < li 1
Firstly. —With reference to the pole which indicates the rise and fall of
the sea in the Khor. It should be placed at a spot in the Khor of Bebai
where it could not be objected to by the inhabitants, or annoy them again.
For on the first occasion the place chosen was close to a part of the beach used
for purposes of nature, both by men and women, along the sea shore ; and the
crew, of the ship's boat, with field glassess in their hands, used to watch the
Aotc.—Probably greatly exaggerated if indeed it
people. Again daily 3 or 4 times, the
has any real foundation in fact. Crew of the boat USed to COme Out naked
1 e m ; ) * ' 1 and with their private parts displayed and
.walk about on the sea shore among the people who were obeying the calls of
nature. .This is a serious matter with us and Your Honour will not agree to it.
Secondly.—'With, reference to the telegraph. If Government insist on
the installation of it, then it must be put up at a spot where I approve, and on
the understanding that the operators have no right to interfere in my town or
with my subjects, except in connection with the telegraph work.' 'And what
ever may be their needs I will arrange for them, and 1 to the utmost )f
my strength and ability I will exert myself for the protection of the telegraph
station. , : t ; , : ^ n ' " '
■ Thirdly. —With reference to the fine of 400 Martini rifles. I will produce
as many as I can of the rifles, and for the rest I ask the kindness of Govern
ment that a fair price per weapon be fixed in rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. .
Fourthly, —As regards the 50,000 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. . I undertake to pay them and
will deliver them to you, and the decision of Governmnet as to their disposal
shall be sufficient for me.
v. r- ^ i
Fifthly.—1 beg for a guarantee of immunity to reassure me, and that you
will not impose on me what is beyond my power. Indeed the measures in
question are beyond my strength and ability, but in order to ensure the safety
of the community and to remove the displeasure of Government from the town
of Debai, I see no alternative but to comply with the demands under
reference.
May you be preserved.
Dated 30th December 1910.