File 345/1908 Pt 2 'Mohammerah: situation. Sheikh's dispute with the Vali of Basra. decoration for Sheikh. renewed assurances to Sheikh.' [‎106r] (216/566)

MOHAMMERAH;
% My dear Crow,
I have to thank you for sending me a copy of your No. 22 to Constantino
ple on the subject of the Sheikh of Mohammerah and the Wali.
I am sending a copy to the Resident in Bushire, and have little doubt that
the latter will mention the matter to the Sheikh when he comes up here, as is
expected shortly.
*******
As regards the Wall’s claim to jurisdiction over Muhammad Chanan, I ought
to point out that he is the Chief of one of the principal tribes of the Sheikh of
Mohammerah, from whom the latter derives much of his strength, influence and
revenue. He is, I believe, undoubtedly a Persian subject born and bred in Persia,
and only transferred to his present abode within the last decade, after a chequered
career in other parts of Arabistan. I am obtaining more definite information on
the subject.
For the Sheikh to hand over such a man to the Turkish authorities is
unprecedented, and difficult in the extreme, and you could perhaps suggest this
point to the Wali, if opportunity offers; it is not a case of surrendering an
ordinary malefactor, but a headman of the most powerful tribe in the district of
Mohammerah.
Haji Athbi is another important tribal leader domiciled in Turkey in Umm-
ur-Rassas, but undoubtedly in my belief a Persian subject, as he has only
recently moved there, with most of his men, and, in any case, he and his tribe
have always been recognised as Persian subjects, and have always fought for the
Sheikh in his wars.
For the precise position of the houses of the two men, please see my map of
the Shatt-ehArab, sent to you in December.
I understand that Persia and Turkey have their own arrangements regarding
jurisdiction and extradition, but, whether this is the case or not, I venture to
think that the Wali would do well to recognise that the case of Muhammad
Chanan is not on all fours with other cases of extradition of criminals, in which
he has had reason to complain. This of course with no prejudice to the rights
and wrongs of the general question.
Muhammad Chanan and Haji Athbi are members of the tribal council
which meets at Failiyah, and were amongst the eight tribal leaders who signed
the agreement between the Sheikh and the Oil Company, with reference to the
land required for refinery and pipe line.
I hope to come to Basrah next Sunday and will discuss this question with
you personally.
Yours sincerely,
A. T. WILSON.
Basrah ;
April idth, igio.
My dear Crow,
Please refer to my demi-official of the 24th instant on the subject of the
Sheikh of Mohammerah and the Wali of Basrah.
I left Basrah at mid-day on 25th, and at 1-30 P.M. passed the "Marmaris”
which was returning to Basrah. On my return to Mohammerah I learnt that at
about midday the village of Muhammad Chanan in Zain, (Turkish territory),
opposite Mohammerah, had been burnt and looted by Turkish soldiers, and that
10 shots had been fired from the ship’s guns.
April 24th t igio.