File 2182/1913 Pt 4 'Persian Gulf: Policy towards Bin Saud (Capt. Shakespear's Mission)' [‎87v] (174/426)

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Telegram P., No. 248, dated the 16th December 1914.
From—His Britannic Majesty’s Minister, Tehran,
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.
Turkish Consular Agent at Lingeh has sent following telegram to His
Majesty’s Ambassador at Tehran. As it was handed in at Bunder Abbas when
that office works with Bushire in vernacular and for that reason may have
escaped the censor. I am sending a translation. Telegram begins t: I have
received information from a trustworthy’source that Seyyid Talib, Wahib
Zadeh and Shaikh of Koweit have turned traitors to the State and Paith.
They with a number of Arabs, who are timid, faithless and irreligious have
helped British troops to attack and capture Basrah. Curse of God and man
be on such Arab traitors who have dragged in the mud the Arab name. A
notice has just been issued by the British Consul at Lingeh and has been
displayed publicly in the bazaars of the Gulf Ports and the Jezirat ul Arab.
Notice states that British have taken Basrah after completely routing Turkish
troops. The local population is excited and alarmed by these tidings. Already
the notices have been torn down and I cannot say what the future holds.
There is no security. The Consulate stands in need of protection. Governor
still refuses to help (see my previous telesram). Helatives are awaiting
result and help. Mohamet Khaaja. End of telegram. Townley.
Repeated by post to India from Bushire.
The 18th December 1914. S. G. KNOX, Dieut.-Colonel*
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No. Cf.-489, dated Bushire, the 22nd December 1914 (Confidential).
From—L ibdt?snant-Colonel S. G. Knox, C.I.E., on Special Duty, in the absence of
the Resident,
To—The Foreign Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department.
In continuation of this office letter No. Cf.-453, dated December 1 st, 1914,
I have the honour to forward, for the information of the Government of India,
No. s.-7, dated 7th December 1914 , with enclosure. a copy of the marginally cited letter,
with enclosure, received from Captain
W. H. I. Shakespear, on the subject of our relations with Bin Saud.
Enclo. to Serial No. 40.
From-
No. S.-7, dated the 7th December 1914.
-Captain W. H. I. Shakespear, I.A., Political Officer on Special Duty,
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. .
I have the honour to invite a reference to my letter No. C.- 5 , dated the
- 0 th November 1914, and to forward herewith a translation of a letter just
received from Abdul Aziz bin Abdur Rahman “ Bin Saud.”
2. It will be seen that the tone is friendly though guarded and that ce Bin
Sand’s ” sentiments towards the Turks have not altered in their favour. I hear
from other sources that Seyyid Talib reached <c Bin Sand’s ” camp two days
before my letter of warning of the 20 th November 1914. It is possible that
the two men have discussed more or less fully the assurances conveyed to “ Bin
Saud ” in the Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. letter despatched direct to him on the outbreak of war
and I am inclined to think that a not improbable result will be an attempt on
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