'Précis of correspondence regarding the affairs of the Persian Gulf, 1801-1853' [‎108r] (215/344)

Part VI—Chap. XLIII.
195
(ii) Restriction of the sphere of Maritime War, 1835—1837.
346. In tlie course of the interview which Major Hennell held with the
principal Maritime Arabian Sheikhs at Bassadore in May 1835, he fully
explained to them tliat the recent outbreak of the Baniyas tribe of Abuthabi
had sufficiently proved the necessity of further measures being adopted for the
preservation of the general tranquillity, as well as for the protection of the
trade of the Gulf. With this view it was, he added, his intention to recommend
to the Government that a certain distance from the Persian shore should be
considered as neutral ground, and that no war vessels, even during the period
of open hostilities, should be allowed to cruise within the space formed by the
coast on one side, and the Islands of Surdy and Bomosa on the other. To this
intimation no objection whatever was raised by the assembled Chiefs, who all
expressed their readiness to give their assent to any arrangements the British
Government might cons ; der best adapted to meet the objects proposed. As he
could not then, however, be aware of the light in which the proposition above
referred to might be viewed by the Government, he did not ask for the consent
of the respective Sheikhs in writing, considering that, as a truce for six months
had just been established, there would be sufficient time afforded to receive the
instructions of the Government upon the subject, before a renewal of hostilities
among the belligerent tribes was likely to take place.
347. Shortly subsequent to this meeting the state of Captain Hennell's
health obliged him to leave the Gulf, but his suggestions on the above subject
were approved of by the Governor in Council.
348. Major Morison therefore carried out the orders with certain modi
fications on the proposed restrictive line
Vo!umeo5—755 of I836,p. 258. as explained in his letter No. 2, dated
21st January 1836:—
Adverting to Mr. Secretary Norris' despatch dated 17th July last, I have the honor to
report having taken the opportunity of my late visit to the Arab Coast, to impose the restric
tion authorized in regard to war boats, by the instructions conveyed ia the 3rd paragraph of
that communication, and I now beg leave to forward copy of a letter addressed iu consequence
to the Officer Commanding the Squadron in these seas.
2nd. —In explanation of having taken upon myself to still further contract the limits
proposed in Captain HennelPs report of 21st May 1835, 1 beg to mention that having ascer
tained the Island of Surdy to have been notori -us as a place of pirate rendezvous, and from
its proximity to the Persian Coast, and central situation, calculated to afford facilities for
annoying the trade of India, most desirable to be guarded against, I considered it more ex
pedient that the Island of Seir-Aboneid should be laid down instead, as a point of the restrictive
line; and as Bonoosa seemed liable to the same objections, though in a lesser degree, I trust my
having also excluded it as a resort for boats of a doubtful character, will meet with the appro
val of Government, under the spirit of the instractions above referred to.
3rd. —I have every hope that this decisive measure will be attended with most beneficial
effects in restoring confidence among the peaceable and well disposed, in regard to our deter
mination not only to punish, but to guard against such scenes of blocdshed and outrage
as occurred during the course of last season ; while it cannot fail to impress upon all
others that the British Government are ready to enforce such measures as may tend to the
attainment of these objects. Indeed, under our present active surveillance for the suppres
sion of piratical, or unprovoked acts of aggression in these seas, I must further beo- to offer it
as my conviction that nothing would tend so much towards the general peace, and
amelioration in the habits of the people in this quarter, as the employment of war boats
being altogether prohibited in the open seas; for so long as every petty Chief is allowed to
possess, and use such means of hostiLty, there can be no security even for those who really
feel disposed to turn their views to more peaceful pursuits ; but by providing for their
safety and defenoe, by maintaining- similar establishments; and it is already before Govern
ment, how difficult it is to prevent such vessels from being occasionally employed for
purposes of more general aggression, as well as in prosecution of their own more immediate
tends and animosities.
4th. —^ ith reference to the representation made by Sultan Bin Suggur as to the necessity
of his war boats occasio ially passing round Cape Musseldom, for purposes connected with the
protection of his territories upon the coast of Khorfican, I must bring to the notice oi Govern
ment that these territoi ies were only acquired by his taking advantage of the disturbed
state of His Highness the Imam's affairs in 1832, and on which occasion he was only prevented
from making further encroachments upon His Highness's dominions, by our active interference,
as will be observed on advertence to Captain HennelPs despatch dated 30th May of that year.
5^.—As thp Chief of Ras-el-Khimah's operations in that quarter are still more likely to
assume an offensive form, than to be required for the protection of these acquisitions, under
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