"الملف 73/7 III (D 24) وضع الكويت، والمفاوضات الأنجلو-التركية" [ظ‎‎٢‎٤‎٥] (٧٠٩/٥٠٢)

foresees difficulty and claims our support, or feels that the situation needs
clearing by the light of the Convention.
With the first two matters I have dealt sufficiently in the foregoing
paragraphs. As regards the third—his future attitude towards foreigners—
Shaikh Mobarak incidentally referred to the question of the overtures made to him
in the past by Messrs. Wonckhaus and Co., and enquired whether his obligation
to admit a Turkish Agent involved any obligation or permission to admit other
foreigners. I replied that our advice to him to keep Messrs. Wonckhaus and
others at a safe distance had reference partly to the indefinite nature of his
status vis a vis the Turks, a fatt which was likely to afford such persons
opportunities for intrigue. I continued that my personal view was that the
regulation and establishment ot his status by the present Convention somewhat
altered the position, but I explained that the terms of the Convention only
provided for and referred to the admission of a Turkish Agent, and did not
affect his existing understanding with us as regards others ; so that I considered
that it was still obligatory for him to consult us before admitting other foreigners.
1 concluded, however, that I would, if he desired, make a fresh reference to
Government with regard to the case of Messrs. Wonckhaus and ascertain their
views. Shaikh Mobarak agreed that that was the best course to pursue, and I
i trust that I shall receive instructions on the point.
12. 1 hough there is no doubt that by the achievement of the Convention
with I urkey, Shaikh Mobarak's position, provided that he has our staunch
support in repelling the slightest encroachment by the Turks on the terms
of it, is greatly improved, yet there can equally be no doubt that in virtue
of our engagement 0 with Kuwait, more especially Articles 5, g, 10 and 12 of the
Shwaikh Agreement, we bear a very serious and lively responsibility towards the
Shaikh ; and I therefore venture very respectfully to draw pointed attention to
those Articles now and to express the earrrc^t hope thai wo <;hall demonstrate
to the Shaikh and to the Porte, from the moment the Conven ion comes into
operation, our fixed intention to protect Shaikh Mobarak's interests to the
utmost.
13. Before concluding this somewhat lengthy report, I should like to avail
myself of the opportunity, now that those portions of the Convention affecting
the Shaikhs of Kuwait and Mohammerah are practically completed, of recording
my acknowledgments for the loyal co-operation which I have received through
out from Captain Shakespear and Major Haworth, the Political Officers
accreditedj^rlhose potentates, at my recent interviews and in the spade work
the spot in connection with the details. I have the more reason to
appreciate this in that owing to the absence of direct telegraphic communication
with either port, and the fact that many of Government's references needed speedy
telegraphic reply, I have been unable always to consult them before replying as
freely as I should wish to have done; but Government will, I am sure, appreciate
the fact that the amenable demeanour of the Shaikhs is due in no inconsiderable
measure to the happy relations existing between them and the two Political
Officers attached to them.
I also wish at the same time to commend to Government the excellent work
done and valuable assistance rendered to me by Captain A. T. Wilson, in
connection with the Mohammerah frontier question.
14. I am sending copies of this communication to His Majesty's Minister
and to the Political Secretary, India Office, for information.
Enclosure 1.
Translation of letter from Sir Khazal Khan, Shnikh of Mohammerah, to the
Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, in which he agrees to entrust his
interests on the Shatt-al-Arah to the British Member of the Riverain
Commission.
Dated, Mohammerah, Jth July /p/3.
After cvmpliments, —As regards the matter of the Commission for the safe
guarding the interests of commerce on the Shatt-al-Arab, I have understood