File 160/1903 'Persian Gulf: El Katr; appointment of Turkish Mudirs; question of Protectorate Treaty with El Katr' [‎116r] (236/860)

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No. 102, dated Bushire, the 8th April 1904.'v .. : _
From~LiEUTEN ant-Colonel C. A. Kemball, C.I.E., Officiating 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. ,
To—L. W. Dane, Esq., I.C.S., Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign
Department.
I liave the honour to report that Sheikh Zaid bin Khalifa, Chief of Abu
Dhabi, has written to me requesting permission to reoccupy Odeid.
2. When I visited Abu Dhabi last October, the question of Odeid came
up during my meeting with the Sheikh, who appeared to be somewhat anxious
regarding the reported intention on the part of the Turks to send a Mudir to
that place.
3. Early in January I received a letter from Sheikh Zaid on the subject,
and the Assistant Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. also wrote to me forwarding copy of a letter
addressed to him by the Sheikh. Copies of these letters are herewith submitted
for your information.
It may perhaps be thought on a perusal of the Chief’s letters that I had
expressed a wish that he should rebuild Odeid. This is not the case. I
merely asked the Chief in course of conversation, in which he laid stress on
his right of ownership of Odeid, if he thought he was in a position to reoccupy
the place. The Chief said that he would have to think the matter over.
4. On receipt of the Chief’s letter, I considered it advisable before sub-
mitting the request for the consideration of the Government of India to enquire
from the Chief if he thought he was strong enough to hold the place, as in 1892,
when Colonel Talbot, then Resident, spoke to him on the subject he had said
that he was not strong enough to hold his own against the Bedouins. I have
now received the Chief’s reply which is to the effect that he cannot ^rebuild
Odeid unless he is assured of the approval and support of His Majesty’s^ Gov
ernment. He does not appear to anticipate any difficulty of holding his own
against the Bedouins, but what he evidently desires is an assurance of our sup-
port in case of interference by the Turks or by others instigated by them.
5 It is not necessary for me to enter here on any discussion regarding the \
ri^ht of the Chief of Abu Dhabi to occupy Odeid. His rights of ownership are
undoubted, but the point for consideration is whether the reoccupation by him
orthe place at the present time may not be a cause of inconvenience as impos- |
in" upon Bis Majesty’s Government the obligation to protect the new settle- ^
ment from hostile attack by sea. I am not inclined to think that this
is verv great On the other hand the occupation of Odeid by a Trucial ^hiei
is likely to be advantageous from our point of view, as it would finally put a
stop to the pretensions of the Turks, and, as pointed out by Mr. Gaskin, would
probably promote our trade interests.
There seems to me that therpis no sufficient reason why the place .should
remain for ever unoccupied, and think that the Chief of Abu Dhabi might be
given the permission for which he asks.
6. I have informed the Sheikh that his request has been referred for the
consideration and orders of the Government of India and that meanwhile he
should make no move in the matter.
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Translation of a letter, dated 4th Shavval 1321 (=2M December ^03{from
Sheikh Zaid bin Khalifah, Chief oj Abu Dhabi, to Lieu tenant. Colonel
G. A. Kemball, Officiating Tolitical Resident m the Fersian
Gulf. % ,
With reference to your wishes regarding the proposed rebuilding^ at Odeid,
I shall count upon your valued support in case any objections are raised against
the project, and I trust that you will be good enough to continue your good
graces in my favour. ^