'Précis of correspondence regarding the affairs of the Persian Gulf, 1801-1853' [‎97r] (193/344)

Part VI—Chap. XL.
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peace with each other. Much ifc is hoped may be gradually effected by your showing favor
and consideration to those who evince a disposition to conform to the views of the Government
upon this point.
8. It appears necessary however to make one exception to this rule. A protection has been
wisely granted to the annual pearl fishery by the presence of our cruizers. It would be to
compromise the character of this protection and to forfeit the benefits to be derived from it
not to insist that the pearl banks during the reason should not be the theatre of war to any
of the Arab Chiefs, and the party infringing this rule by commencing an attack, ehould be
treated as a pirate.
9. You are at liberty to proceed to every extremity to punish acts of open piracy, and
when there were undoubted proofs of such acts being intended should immediately adopt the
measures most expedient to prevent them, any delay of such measures might be attended with
the worst effects, and produce a necessity for the employment of much more extended and
expensive means than would be necessary to punish crime at the moment or crush incipient
danger.
10. With regard to the petty States and tribes of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , who have not sub'
scribed the general treaty such as the people of Grome, Kateef, etc., they may be allowed to
sign it or not as they wish, but they are to be distinctly informed that they will not he per
mitted to defeat its objects by committing any acts of piracy,
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12. In cases where the acts of piracy are airainst Natives of the Islands or shores of the
Gulf, the Chief of the tribe committing the piracy must be held responsible to make reparation
by the icstoration of the plunder or its value or in cases of murder, by giving up the persons
by whom it was committed, to the parties aggrieved. When, however, the latter may be
willing (following the usages of their tribes) to compound murder, which is understood to be
cften the case, no objection exists to our admitting them to act in a manner which, however,
repugnant to our feelings, is conformable to theirs. The principle of our interference is poli
tical and appears to be answered when the aggrieved party is satisfied he has obtained what he
deems justice from the aggressor.
13. If the piracy is against a ship carrying British colours, you will insist upon the
property or its value being restored to the owners, and send such of the pirates as you cau
seize, or are delivered to you, prisoners to Bombay.
14. The report of your visit to the different parts of the Gulf with a view of ascertaining
where it would be, best to fx the in the event of its ever becoming necessary to
remove it from Abushire, establishes two facts beyond future doubt or discussion. First, that
Sassadore which has been used for s^me years as the principal station of our cruizers is from its
position and other advantagfs one of the most convenient that could have been chosen tor that
purpose, but that it is not well situated as a commercial portj and appears for many reasons
stated by you not to answer as the place to fix the Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. .
Secondly.—That in the event of our being at any period compelled to quit Abushire (and
manv circumstances local or general may reduce us to this necessity) that the neighbouring
small Island of Khar ruck is beyond all others the most convenient to winch we could^ retire and
that could the measure be immediately effected with the consent of the Court of Persia, it would
not only be found one of economy but of considerable advantage, both to our commercial and
political interests. An insular situation would free us of all that mingling in local disputes
and politics which it is quite impossible for the representative to escape from as long as he is
stationed at Abushire and which, besides other bad effects, has and will continue to embarrass
our general interests in Persia with questions which, however trivial in themselves, acquire
importance from being mixed with the claims and privileges of our subjects and agents.
Though the present may not appear a time for agitating this point, it is one to which the atten
tion of the Supreme Government will be solicited who, if it coincide in this view, and that
expressed by you, mav instruct the Envoy at the Court of Tehran to take advantage of a
favourable opportunity, if such should ever occur, to obtain the grant of this island. It neither
has nor ever can have any value to Persia, and in our hands it must early become an emporium
of trade. Its possession would enable us to consolidate with advantage the duties of the
Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. of Abushire with those at Bussora and would contribute beyond any measure con
templated, to the establishing of the peace and prosperity of the Gulf, and early relieve us from
the heavy expenses to which we are now subjected for the attainment of these objects.
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