'File 14/115 VII Annex (B 9) Abu Musa oxide: collected background material on the case' [‎723r] (1502/1904)

ANNEX ( } •
Tranelation of a letter from the Native Agent Non-British agents affiliated with the British Government. Arab Coast
to the 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. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire.
(No. 139 dated 11th Shawal 1288 = 27th December 1871).
I regard to the proceedings of the Chief of Debai I beg
to inform you that on the 8th Shawal (24th December) he or
ganized a sea force in 14 boats manned by Arabs and weapons of
warfare and sent them to the Island of Aboo Musa to deter the
horses and cattle of the Chief of Shargah (from grazing there),
It has been customary from old times for the Chief of
Shargah to send his cattle to that Island and the people of
Debai sent some horses and cattle there some time ago and a
dispute took place between the two Sheikhs about that island.
I twice wrote to the Chief of Debai to keep away from that
Island but received no satisfactory reply. This proceeding on
the part of the Sheikh of Debai becoming known, the Sheikh
of Shargah ordered 30 boats to be prepared to go there also
manned and armed for war. Seeing that much disturbance would
ensue, from this move, on the island and at the sea, I went
to the Sheikh, Salem, and after much difficulty persuaded him
in abandoning his intention. He then ordered the boats not to
move.
I wrote thereon to the Chief of Debai to bring back his
horses and cattle from the Island of Boo Musa that this cause
for quarrel may cease among them all.
By a mere chance the weather was unfavourable for the
boats proceeding to Bu Musa from Debai and they did not suc
ceed in reaching the island and had to return to Debai with
their animals.
The Chief of Debai replied to my letter that he had given
up his intentions in regard to the Island.
I enclose the correspondence that took place on this subject
between the Sheikh of Debai and myself.