"دليل الخليج. مجلد I. القسم التاريخي. الأجزاء Iأ و Iب. ج.ج. لوريمر ١٩١٥" [‎٣‎٩‎٤] (١٧٨٢/٥٣٧)

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in 'Oman was checked by firm action at Masqat, and the question of the
French flag in ; Oman was carried before the Hague Tribunal, by which
it was ultimately decided in favour of Britain. In Bahrain the authority
of the British Government was proved and emphasised by strong and
successful measures for the protection of foreign subjects, and trade
flourished in an unprecedented degree. Kuwait was savedifrom falling
under Turkish domination, was defended against the menaces of the Amir
of Northern Najd, and became for the time being a British protectorate
except in name. In ^Arabistan intimate relations were formed with the
Shaikh of Muhammareh which assured the predominance of British
influence in his councils. On the coast of Persia throughout its length
British interests were maintained with success, and an important position
was secured at Hanjam; while in Persian Makran, notwithstanding
internal anarchy, British subjects and property were adequately protected.
The strategical position was examined from the British and Indian points
of view, and dispositions were made for meeting every emergency. The
British naval arrangements in the Gulf were reorganised; new marine
surveys were carried out ; foreign demonstrations were answered by
counter-demonstrations of superior force. The number of the British
political representatives in the Gulf was increased, and steps were taken
simultaneously to add to their dignity and prestige. At the same time
the general efficiency of British action in the Gulf was enhanced by
improvements in passenger, postal, and telegraphic communications; the
interests of British and Indian trade were promoted by the despatch of
commercial missions; and the political history and geography of the Gulf
region were brought under close investigation.
It is not possible, by any analytical process, to separate the effects of
these measures from other factors by which the cessation of the assault on
the British position in the Gulf was brought about; and it is hardly easier
to distinguish the policy of the Government of India from that of His
Majesty s Government, with which it was blended and in which it was
absorbed. Changes in the international situation in Europe and elsewhere
were undoubtedly elements of first-rate importance ; but had British policy
in the Gulf been supine during the time of crisis, such changes, coming as
they did too late, would not have prevented serious permanent injury to
British interests. In the defensive political campaign of this arduous
period it was ordinarily the part of the Government of India to suggest and
to execute, of the British Government to control and to direct : the conduct
of operations in the diplomatic field devolved upon His Britannic Majesty's
Government, while the political contest in the Gulf itself was waged for
the most part by officers of the Indian services and with Indian resources.