"دليل الخليج. الجزء الأول. المواد التاريخية والسياسية. ملخص عن شؤون قطر، ١٨٧٣-١٩٠٤." [و‎‎٣‎٢] (٩٢/٦٣)

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of Katar, to recoornise his brother, Ahmed-bin-Thani, and profit by his friendly disposition
to conclude witb him some agreement on the lines of those with the Trucial Chiefs, which
will give us a sort of Protectorate or lif-n over the promontory; but until this day arrives, it
is not clear to me that we gain anything by formally raisings without absolute necessity, the
question of sovereignty, such as it is. I do, however, think it very possible that, by doing so,
and by overtly pursuing a policy which, rightly or wrongly, is considered as directed against
the iutegrity of the Ottoman Empire, we tncourage another Power to some act of rank
aggression which will precipitate developments, and possibly place us, before very long, in
a serious and grave predicament.
There is no doubt that our action in regard to Koweit has made a very painful impression
upon not only the Sultan, but upon many of bis Anglophil subjects, whose weight and influ-
ence was a counterpoise to the constant pressure and intrigue of that power, whose object it is
to persuade both the Sovereign and his ministers that the interest and salvation of Turkey lies
in a close and cordial understanding with them.
Besides these few remarks which 1 have made bold to lay before Your Lordship, I beg
leave to say that I find some difficulty in clearly understanding the policy proposed by the
Government of India in regard to Odeid. On the other hand it is suggested that our warn-
ino- to the Porte should ba based on the fact that we consider Odeid as an appanage of the
Chief of Abuthabi, an independent Ruler with whom we have Treaty relations, that is to say,
that we consider Odeid as independent of the Chief of Katar, while, on the other hand, we
appear to be contemplating the contingency of counteracting Turkish designs in Katar by
countenancing tae absorption of Odeid by Ahmed-bin-Thani.^
201. Meanwhile active movements were proceeding in Hasa for estab
lishing Turkish administrative units at Zobarah, Wakra and Odeid. _ Abdul
J? Karim Effendi, the mudir designate for Odeid, was en route to Bahrein. He
was to have gone to Odeid, but as the town was quite desolate he sought
some other more convenient place. Arabi Effendi was nominated mudir of
Zobarah, and Yusuf Beg was to go to Wakra as mudir (see Political Resident's
letter No. 47, dated 23rd March 190o).
No. 324 of Secret e., august 1903, Nos. 313-402. was reported that Sheikh Jasim had
proposed the establishment of these posts. Colonel Kemball believed that the
Turkish authorities had for some time been anxious to get hold of Sheikh
Jasim and make him responsible for the recent disorders on Katar. He had
therefore, in order to absolve himself from responsibility, recommended the
Turks to establish posts at several points in Katar, knowing that the British
Government would not view with equanimity any occupation of Zobarah and
Odeid and wishing to embroil the Turks with the British Government.
202. On the 23rd April 1903 the Political Resident telegraphed as follows
from Bushire:—
No. 343 of Do.
" Following telegram sent to Ambassador, Constantinople:— Begins —YusuE Beg,
Mudir -designate for Wakra, arrived at Bahrein 21st of April from Hasa. He intends leaving
for his post, but will not be able to do so probably for some days. I would suggest that orders
■ \ should be sent by Porte countermanding his appointment. These orders should be sent to him
personally at Bahrein, and not through the Wali, Basrah, or Mutessarif, Hasa, which will
involve great delay. It is imperative such orders should be sent at once, as if he established
himself at Wakra, his removal will be difficult. Ends. I have told Gaskin to endeavour to
arrange difficulties in the way of the man obtaining a passage from Bahrein to Wakra, and he
probably will have to remain Bahrein for the present, so as there should be ample time for orders
from Constantinople reaching him. 5^^ which lately visited Wakra, reports that Turkish
flao" flvino- there, but no Turkish officials or soldiers. I understand Turkish flag has been
flown there for some years by the Chief of Katar, but the appointment of Mudir there is
none the less objectionable."
203. This telegram was reported on the 25th April to the Secretary of State
and the Political Resident was asked by
> * No ' 344 of Do ' telegram to report more fully how and
and by whom the Turkish flag had been flown at Wakra, and if the Sheikh there
admitted Turkish sovereignty.
201 Colonel Kemball telegraphed back on the 27th April as follows:
" Probability is that, after the occupation of! Bidaa, Chief of Katar was told (to) fly
Turkish flag, and that it is hoisted when ships
No. 346 of Do. are geen< ft.phinx reports no Sheikhs there,
but headman of [one group missing) told Commander flag had no political significance. Chief
of Katar has, as Government of India know, admitted Turkish sovereignty, but this has
never been considered to affect our policy with regard to Katar. Gaskin reports, 24!th April