ملاحظات أُعدت كمرجع خلال جولة كرزون في الخليج الفارسي، وأوراق أخرى عن بلاد فارس والخليج الفارسي [و‎‎٤] (٦٧٨/٧)

3
Extract from a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel C. A. Kemhall, C.I.E, Political Eesident in
the Persian Gulf, dated Bushire, the 2nd October 1903.
** هذه التواريخ تقريبية ** هذه التواريخ تقريبية ** هذه التواريخ تقريبية *
3 )
IsH ^
U\JL
Now as to the political aspect of the Durbar. So far as the Trucial Chiefs
are concerned, I do not think it is necessary or desirable to enter into any new
form of engagement. Our influence with these Chiefs is already predominant,
the maritime peace is ensured, intrigues with [Foreign Powers provided against,
and the trade practically in our hands and, so far as I can foresee, likely to
remain so. Prom our point of view I think we may he fairly content with the
status quo; whether it would be advisable looking to the future to modify or
expand this status quo is not very easy to say.
Our time-hcnoured policy has been, as you know, to maintain the martime
peace and not to interfere in the internal quarrels of the Chiefs. As a matter
of fact, the result of our policy has been to prevent aggression by one Chief on
another. But this may not always be the case ; some of the Chiefs are grow
ing powerful, and others are perhaps getting weaker, and a spirit of aggression
may arise. The Chief of Debaye, for instance, might wish to try conclusions
with his neighbour at Shargah. Probably the [Resident would get sufficient
warning of the likelihood of hostilities to enable him to stop the fighting,
though this would be contrary to our traditional policy. It really would not
matter very much from our point of view, so far as I can see, whether the
stronger and wiser ruler at Debaye laid his hands on Shargah or not, but of
course a period of unrest would follow, and our trade interests might suffer.
It might therefore be [advisable to let the Chiefs know that aggression
by one independent Chief on another independent Chief would not be viewed
with approval by us. Such a warning will, I think, he quite sufficient,
and, though perhaps not immediately necessary, it might be a useful safe
guard for the future peace of the coast. No special engagement to this
end would be required. The Viceroy at the Durbar might I venture to
suggest, after alluding to the benefits which have resulted to the Chiefs
and their country from the peace which has been consequent on their
engagements with the British Government, inform them that the Govern
ment intends to maintain its interest in them for their own benefit and for the
continuance of their independence. His Excellency is pleased to learn that
the engagements have, as a rule, been faithfully observed, and he is confident
that the same faithful observance will he maintained in the future. The
British Government has no desire to interfere in their internal affairs so far as
the Chiefs govern their territories with justice and respect the rights of the
foreign traders residing therein. All that the British Government desires is
that the status quo should be maintained, and any aggression by one State on
another, even although the operations may be confined to land, will not be
viewed with approval by the British Government. In any case of dispute
between the Chiefs the British Resident is always ready to listen to complaints
and to arrange an amicable settlement satisfactory to both parties.
Such is a brief outline of what in my opinion might be said at the Durbar
if the expansion of the status quo to this extent is approved.
Whether the Chiefs themselves will desire anything more I cannot say.
I do not think so, but I intend to visit the coast shortly, and will be able to
let you know if such is the case.
** هذه التواريخ تقريبية ** هذه التواريخ تقريبية ** هذه التواريخ تقريبية *
Extract from a letter from Lieutenant~Colonel C. A. Kemball, C.I.E., Political Eesident in
the Persian Gulf, dated Bushire, the 8th Octobtr 1903.
** هذه التواريخ تقريبية ** هذه التواريخ تقريبية ** هذه التواريخ تقريبية *
Now as to the political aspect of the visit to Bahrein, the status of Bahrein
is well known to the Government of India, and it is not necessary for me to enter
into the details of it now. The Chief of Bahrein will, I feel sure, have no
desire for any new form of engagement to be concluded with him. All that he
wants is to be left alone and to be allowed to end his days iu peace. Any