'File A/5 Pearl fisheries of Persian Gulf' [‎2r] (3/62)

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No. 63 Of 1904.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA,
FOREIGN DEPARTMENT.
SECRET.
External.
The Right H on'ble St. JOHN BRODRICK,
His Majesty's Secretary of State for India.
Fort William, the 10th March 1904.
In the course of our recent examination of problems connected with
the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , the question of the pearl-fisheries that have so long existed
there has come under our notice. Important questions, both of policy and
international law, are involved; and although none ol these has fortunately
hitherto assumed an acute shape, it seems to us desirable that the matter should
be considered now, in order that we may know how to act should any sudden
expected development occur. We, therefore, address you on the subject.
— 2. The approximate limits of the pearling grounds in the neighbourhood
of tli/Arab littoral are indicated on the enclosed copy of a chart of the
O# In addition to those marked, there are also shoals in the neighbourhood
^ of Kharak Island and at other points along the Persian coast, which are
rejdarly exploited and frequently yield considerable returns. We are
immediately concerned, however, only with those lying on the Arabian side
of the Gulf. Along this coast lie the territories of the several Trucial Chiefs,
the peninsula of El Katr, the island of Bahrein, the Turkish province of El
I Hassa, and the domains of the Sheikh of Koweit. The pearl banks appear from
time immemorial to have been open, without distinction, to the Arabs of the
entire littoral; and though there are no definite inter-tribal limits, the external
boundaries of the fisheries are well known. Intrusion is resented ; the principal
[Hffiiefs have in the past expressed the view that the fisheries are common
pro pertv and that no Chief has, therefore, the right to grant any concession
^Kutside parties; and believing as they do that the shallower waters are
IBpendent on the deeper for their supply of shells, their objections relate not
to interference on the shoals which are habitually fished by their dependents,
but' alsC to the exploitation of the deeper waters beyond.
[ 3 His Majesty's Government are aware of the clos^ relations which exist
between the Arabs of this coast and the Indian Government. Since 1843 we have
held from the Trucial Chiefs agreements to refrain from any breach of the peace
at sea, and in 1892 the Sheikhs concluded fresh compacts binding themselves not
to enter into anv agreement or correspondence with any Power other than the
^Kish Government; not to consent, except with the permission of the British
(lOvernment, to the residence within their territories ol the Agent of any other
State • and not to cede, sell, mortgage, or otherwise give occupation of any portion
of their territories, save to the British Government. In respect of El Katr we
have at present no formal Conventions. We have declined, however, to recognise
Turkish pretensions on the peninsula, and the leading Chief has on more than one
occasion approached our officers in the Gulf with a request that he may be
admitted t^closer relations with the Indian Government. Bahrein has lor long
been to all intents and purposes, a British protectorate ; while in the case
of Koweit, though the Turks have laid claim to certain ill-dehntd rights of
sovereignty we have always asserted that the Sheikh enjoys a Targe measure
■ practical independence, and His Majesty^ Government have promised him
Hfcr o-ood offices. The maintenance of the maritime peace in the Gult is an