'Précis of correspondence regarding the affairs of the Persian Gulf, 1801-1853' [‎96v] (192/344)

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Part VI—Chap. XL.
CHAPTER XL.
BRITISH POLICY IX THE PERSIAJV GULF, 1838-1829.
(i) ini'oiM'Avr nsmi rnovs to the resident.
310. The letter of the Bombay Government to the Resident, No. 109JrA.,
dated 22nd September 1828, printed below, contains important instructions as to
the policy to be followed in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , which was to look upon ourselves
as head of a naval confederaoy for the entire suppression of piracy. The letter
contains instructions also on other points—
To—The Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , No. 1094-A., dated 22nd September 1828.
I have had the honor to receive and lay before the Honorable the Governor in Council
your dispatch of the ^4th May last, No. 28, reporting the result of your visit to the several
stations in the Gulf and am directed to communicate to you the instructions aud sentiments of
Government thereon.
2. The conduct observed by you in your recent transactions, both as they relate to the
Provincial Government of Shiraz and the Chief local authority at Abushire has been approved;
ani you will continue to regulate it by the same principles as you have hitherto done
Biercising your discretion on all points not provided for by speuiHc instructions.
3. With respect to any interference in the local disputes or differences, no better ffeneral
rule can be given for your guidance, than that suggested by the Envoy at the Court of Teheran
who, in answer to a reference upon this subject, observes, '' 1 should feel inclined to suggest the
interdiction of the Resident from all interference in the intestine quarrels of the different
Chiefs, as well as from affording 'protection to persons obnoxious to Government, provided such
interdiction did not compromise the high name, honour and generosity of the British nation'*
4. With respect to the late correspondence relative to vessels trading to
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , the Governor in Council directs that the established penalty bonds be taken
and their rigid execution enforced. A form of bond accompanies this letter for your informa
tion and guidance and you are requested to report any breach of its obligations. Our situation
in this quarter, and the expense we incur to protect the trade, entitle Government to require
from all English traders a strict observance of these rules, which are necessary for the
preservation of that security from which they derive such advantage.
5. The relations between the Commanders and officers of the Marine and the Resident
have already been decided on and the Superintendent of Marine has alfo given instructions
to those under his authority in conformity with that decision. The line is clear and decided.
Ihe Marine in the Gulf of Persia must, while there, be deemed in a situation similar to
a portion of our army employed within the sphere, of a Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. %n In Ha, and they
must consider themselves on all points connected with their communv-a'ion with the inhabit
ants with service in the Gulf, subject to the instructions and requisitions of the Political
Resident. The plan lately adopted for the distribution and regular relief of the cruizers in
the Gulf will, there is every ground to hope, produce in a few years a complete change in
the habits of the tribes in that quarter and wean them from their piratical practices. This
is a most desirable object and one of equal consequence in an economical and political view.
To secure its accomplishment steam vessels appear best calculated in the event of any warfare,
to strike a terror amongst the Arabs that would tend greatly to make them abandon all hopes
of future success in piracy.
6. With regard to the general affairs of the Fenian Gulf we should look upon ourselves
as the head of a Naval confederacy for the entire suppression of piracy and act accordingly.
Our superior strength makes us the aibiter to whom others will appeal, and we must take the
disadvantages as well as the advantages of such a position— * * * *
***** The laniiuage held by you to the Sheik of
Bahrein reported in your despatch of the 3rd May that the Shaikhs will be made responsible
for the acts of their subjects or persons who live at or frequent their ports is approved by the
Governor in Council and the application of the principle is left to your discretion.
7. It is desirable still to abstain from all interference in any wars not arising from
piratical causes ; but as the attainment of our principal object, that of gradually introducing
peaceable habits among the various tribes in the Gulf, will greatly depend upon their
ceasint; to have recourse to arms upon every occasion, 1 am directed to observe that while
you continue most cautious in not giving guarantees or involving Government, you are to take
every opportunity of impressing the different Chiefs with eur desire of their remaining t