'File 14/115 VII Annex (B 9) Abu Musa oxide: collected background material on the case' [‎361r] (748/1904)

341
2h® Agrwement of i i
188f5 i ^
between Sheikh Sagar and Sheikh Haliss.
'• t i
note .
In replying to the German Case it aesms unneoessary for us in the
first Instance to go behind the Srd agreement of 1889 whleh is
s till in operation, the others having lapsed*
If, however, it is considered advisable for us to refer to this
Agreement of 188S in detail, it would see© prudent, in order to
preclude misunderstanding, to give an explanation of the reference
to Abu Musa island in the text of Sheikh Salia*B undertaking.
Read by itself the t&nm of this document would perhaps enable the
Genaan Goveraaent to argue corroboration for the assertion made
in their case to the effect that Sheikh salin was the owner of
the island and not Sheikh Sagar. In r.oint of fact the explanation
of the reference is natural and simple*
As stated in my raemorandtsa on the atatua of Abu Muaa it had
been the custor. from time iaraeisorial for the Sheikhs of shargah
to send their State and private horses and livestock over to
graze on the island every spring? and at the time when Sheikh
Sagar seized the government from his mole, it will be reaesbered
that the latter was spending his yearly visit to the island and
»
had a number of the Otate horses with him.
After the coup d'etat the disposal of these horses became one
of the chief difflenities in the way of a friendly settlonent; but
eventually taliD had to give them up.
While therefore, in the interests of peace, acquiescing
in sheikh Salim's taking up his residence on the island for the
present sheikh sagar naturally did not wish to forego the conve
nient practice of sending his stud ove • to graze? on the other
hand, for him to have sent them over without being able to take
any adequate stops to ensure their safety would have been to put
In Salla's hands a simple effectlK^ means of annoying hi®
nephew by interfering with the horses. Sheikh .agar therefor® got
Sallm to give him a written assurance that while he resided in
Abu Musa Sheikh sagar could send over his horses as usual with
out apprehension.