"أوراق متعلقة بلجنة بلاد الرافدين من غرفة السير إ. بارو" [و‎‎٥‎٧] (١٣٨٦/١١٣)

the generally accepted principle of international law extend to three miles out to sea from the
coast.
' It must be recognised however that we reserve our long established right to pass freely up
and down the Shatt-el-Arub at all times.
" U e hear that a German merchant vessel, the Ekbatana, is at Basra. Transfer to a neutral
flag of belligerent merchant vessels is not in accordance with international law recognised
under ordinary circumstances. It will be well to mention this and to say that if the Ekbatana
appeal’s we shall regard her as liable to capture on the high seas.
“Note by Sir A. Ilirtzel. Political Secretary, India Office, dated 8th October 1914.
I he question of the ships has been disposed of by the orders sent to Sir L. Mallet last
night, copy attached, which have been repeated to the Government of India, and by orders
issued by Admiralty to Naval Commander-in-Chief (copy not vet available), which he has
been instructed to repeat to Government of India.
I think Government of India overstate the Abadan question. The Oil Company’s con
cession has been leased from the Persian Government, and though the Sheikh of Muhammerah
is responsible for policing it, it is clear that he cannot protect it against threatened attack by
lurkey, and in such circumstances public opinion should surely recognise om - right to protect
our own property. And we have to remember loss of prestige with the Arabs, whom we wish
to encourage, if it is destroyed.
As between Basidu and Bahrein, the water difficulty can presumably be got over by distil
lation. Bahrein has, however, great political advantages, if the difficulties of water and
landing can be overcome, through its proximity to the Arabian Coast and Bin Saood. It is not
<i British I rotect'M’ate, though the Sheikh has ceded tons jurisdiction over foreigners. In
the recent negotiations with'I’lirkey, we undertook not to annex it. but thev have never been
ratified.”
()n the same day (Nth October) the Secretary of State telegraphed to the
\ icerov as follows :— <*•'-
No. 11S7. Expedition "I). \ our telegram of 7th October, and mine of same date.
^ °! , ^ lt ' P'ys^'d a i s rot necessary to deride about Abadan, and I am most anxious to avoid
disturbing Indian Mahomedans, but it is necessary to reassure Arabs, who will be agitated bv
reports that Turks will spread of our retirement at their dictation from Shatt-el-Arab. It is
therefore important that an immediate demonstration should be made. You apparentlv
incline to Bassidu as a suitable rendezvous but for scarcity of water. On the other hand
Bahrein has great political advantages if difficulties of landing can be met. Probablv water
difficulty at Bassidu can be overcome bv distillation.
“Shall be glad if you will send me your views at once. Meanwhile all preparations should
continue.
between the Nth ciiHl loth October the following telegrams passed
between the India Ollice and the Viceroy, with the result that Bahrein was
bnally chosen as the immediate objective of the expedition.
“ Prom \ iceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated 9th October 1914.
“No. H. 1381. Your telegram No. 1187. Expedition “ !).”
Ibe difficulties oi landing troops at Bahrein can be overcome, and there is good water
and ample space for camping grounds. Distillation of water for a force landed at Bassidu
would be very difficult.
“ r, ' he, ' t ‘ is T1 ° (l,,ubt that Bahrein by its position near head of the Gulf has mam- advantages
both material and political over Bassidu, while it has none of the disadvantages of Abadan as
a place of disembarkation.
" The presence of our troops at Bahrein would be a sufficiently good reply to am boastings
of the r l urks and should reassure completelv the Arabs.
“ Preparations are being pushed forward* and one Brigade will start on 14th or loth."
" From Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated 9th October 1914.
•' Foreign Secret. Political Resident, Persian Gulf reports 8th October, following telegram
.sent to Ambassador, Constantinople, by Consul at Basra.
Sayyid Talib came to see me last night. He says Tm key seems resolved on war. This
does not suit Arabs. He would like to enter into negotiations*with regard to his attitude in
case of hostilities between England and Turkey. He desired me to ask Your Excellence to
remind Lord Kitchener of a conversation with him at Cairo three years ago, and to say that
time has come. I promised to transmit message to you and to ask for instructions.’ ”
" I rom Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, Army Department, dated 10th October 1914.
“Private 1207. Your H. 1381. Expedition “ D.”
' Shakespear says water difficulty is as great at Bahrein as at Basidu, but that the real
objection to former is the difficulty of getting away if the wind is unfavourable. On this
point ! must leave decision to you. If you decide on Bahrein please wire date on which
expedition should arrive there. It is still important to keep destination secret as otherwise
inconvenient protests might be made.” g.
M.S. 128.
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