'Précis of correspondence regarding the affairs of the Persian Gulf, 1801-1853' [‎118r] (235/344)

Part VI—Chap. XLIV.] 215
flourishing place, and would, I believe, exeeptin? Bharein (and possibly Busliire), prove a more
valuable settlement than any other place in the Gulf.
I have the honour to be, etc.,
T. EDMUNDS,
As»tt. Resident, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
391. The observations and suggestions made by Captain Hennell in his
letter dated 12th October 1839 on this report are interesting, and it is quoted
below: —
Herewith I have the honour to enclose, for the information of the Honourable the
Governor in Council, the accompanying extract from Lieutenant Edmunds' report to me of his
visit to Koweit and Fuleeja, under date the 5th instant.
2. It was with regret I noticed the great want of civility exhibited by Sheik Jabir
towards Mr. Edmund?, the more so, as the friendly tone of his correspondence by no means
led me to anticipate such a lack of hospitality and attention. I am inclined to coincide in the
opinion expressed by my assistant that the old Chief probably wished Khorshid Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. to be
made aware of the little consideration given to the Knirlish in Koweit. In fact Sheik Jabir,
like the ruler of Bahrein, appears completely overawed by the extraordinary success attending
Mahomed Ally's measures, and evidently possesses but a very inadequate idea of the power of
Great Britain.
3. It is certainly desirable that some notice should be taken of the uncourteous behaviour
_ , . , of the Governor of Koweit, and the suggestion
Reearding the notice ^ to bo laker, of his made by Mr. Edmunds of withholding protection
behaviour. Objection agiunst putting his port out n i • , i t • & r v
of British protection. 1:1,0111 hls yes^els, or declining to recover any
property piratically taken from them, might
not be the least efficacious method of shewing him how much the increasing commercial
prosperity of his town has been fostered and promoted by the suppression of piracy, and the
maintenance of the tranquillity of the Gulf by the policy pursued by the British Government.
Among other reasons, however, which render me reluctant to recommend the adoption of the
measure suggested, there is one of greater weight than the rest, namely, the risk of reviving, and
piving strength to those habits of piracy and rapine, which although now by our vigorous
policy apparently so successfully repressed among the maritime tribes of this Gulf are still
only dormant; and were it generally known that aggressions upon the trade of a commercial
port like Koweit would be overlooked by us, would, it is to be feared, speedily regain their
former strength. Moreover, as justly remarked by Mr. Edmunds, the conduct of Sheik Jabir
although unfriendly in so evidently preferring a connexion with the Egyptians to entering into
closer relations with us, is not so reprehensible as that of others, who have treaties with us,
and who have been made expressly aware of the views of the British Government in opposing
the extension of Mahomed Ally's influence in this direction. If any one of the Chiefs of this
Gulf deserves more than another to be deprived of the advantages of our protection, it is the
Sheik of Bahrein ; the commerce of whose island, were it not for us, would soon be most
seriously injured, but who, although well aware of this circumstance, has deliberately thrown
himself into the hands of the Egyptians, notwithstanding his being assured of our support
and aid, in the maintenance of his own independence.
4. With regard to the Sheik of Koweit I shall address a letter to him animadverting upon
Substance of letter to Sheik of Koweit. if ^ ant o£ , to ^ 1 0 ® ce ;. o£ "\ e . ®. riti8h
Kesideocy specially deputed to him, and intimate
that it is my intention to bring this circumstance, and his not having returned the salute of an
English vessel of war, to the notice of the Government.
(V) ENUNCIATION OF THE POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA AND THE
COURT OF DIRECTORS The London-based directors of the East India Company who dealt with the daily conduct of the Company's affairs. .
392. The Government of India]deoided to follow a cautious but determined
Dated ist August 1839. policy in counteracting the Egyptian
Dated 12th August 1839. designs in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , without
Dated 13th January 1840. • jj * ai i x •
J committing themselves to serious ag
gressive measures. Their letters to the Bombay Government quoted below show
the measures they wished to take for the purpose in view.
Secret Depai tment. To I. P. Willoughbt , Esq., Secretary to the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. .
I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th ultimo, transmitting
Volume 65-1061 of 1839, p. 542. 9?P ie . s of despatches from the Resident in the
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. to your address.
2. From the tenor of your letter, the Governor -General was led to expect that the
Honourable the Governor in Council would favour him with such observations on the subject