'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Part I Historical and Political Materials, Précis of Koweit [Kuwait] Affairs, 1896-1904' [‎21] (38/132)

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(4) Telegram P., Ko. 85-E. A., dated the 18th January 1899. No.601.
From—The Foreign Secretary, Calcutta,
To—The Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire.
You should now proceed to Koweii, and unless you are satisfied that Mubarak is in imminent
danger of attack supported by Turks or is in precarious pogition, you should enter into secret
agreement with him on model of agreement with Mascat of 20th March 1891, but in more pre
cise terms of my telegram of 8th .Tanuary binding the Sheikh, his heirs and successors. You
may also assure him of our good offices asloog as he adheres to agreement. We rather prefer
a lump payment to an annual subsidy, but we leave to your discretion. Sums hitherto pro
posed in either case seem to us excessive, as Sheikh will probably jump at agreement. If
you promise annual subsidy, Rs. 3,000 would perhaps suffice, but you must exercise your
judgment in the matter.
63. On 28th of January 1S99, Colonel Meade telegraphed that he had No. sis,
. concluded secret asrreement^ with Mu-
* Fruited as Appcndii D to th.a precia. ^ ^ he ^ sending three
copies for ratification by His Excellency the Governor-General. From Colonel N( ,. 642 .
Meade's report of his proceedings (No. 10, dated 30th January 1899), it appear
ed that he proceeded by the Lawrence to Koweit on 2ist January with
Mr. Gaskin. He found the Turkish corvette Zohaf in the harbour, but
Colonel Meade proceeded to the harbour without minding it. The corvette
left the place on the afternoon of the 22nd. Mr. Gaskin first called on the
Sheikh, ihe Sheikh was evidently very gratified at this visit and, being unable
himself to go to the British ship without exciting suspicion of the Turks, he
deputed his brother Hamad, who was well disposed towards him. The purpose
of the visit was then explained to Hamad Colonel Meade from enquiries he made
was led to think that there was no reason for anticipating an immediate attack
being made on Sheikh Mubarak, whose position was further described as more
assured than it had previously been. He therefore concluded that he ought to
endeavour to carry out the instructions he had received and conclude the
agreement with the Sheikh as soon as he could. Mr. Gaskin ascertained that
the Sheikh was anxious to secure—before signing the agreement—to get a written
assurance that he would receive British support afterwards, and also to receive
Es. 15,000, equivalent to about £1,000 in return for the engagement not to
cede, lease, etc. On the 23rd Colonel Meade met the Sheikh and showed him the
draft agreement. It may be noted that it contained a clause, which was not
provided for in the instructions of Government mz., that the Sheikh should not
receive representatives from other Powers. This condition appeared to Colonel
Meade very desirable, as Mubarak had told Mr, Gaskin that he had received
overtures from the French.
64 j . Mubarak's two brothers, who were invited by the Sheikh to attest the
document, infused to sign it, because Colonel Meade declined to bind Govern
ment to protect the Koweit family in regard to their estates in Turkish territory
near Pao, which had been formerly part of Koweit, but had been gradually
absorbed by the Turks, their revenue being about £6,000 a year and the chief
source of income of the family. Mubarak assured Colonel Meade that the con
currence of his brothers was not necessary to make the agreement binding on
bis successors. Colonel Meade did not think that the brothers were likely to
turn against Mubarak or divulge the agreement, but asked for authority to tell
the Sheikh and his brothers that their interests in regard to the Turkish estates
would be looked after and receive the consideration of Her Majesty's Govern
ment.
65. The agreements entered into by Colonel Meade and the Sheikh are
printed as Appendix D to this precis.
66. In reporting by telegram, dated 12th February, the purport of these ^ 645
agreements and Colonel Meade's proceedings to the Secretary of State, His Ex
cellency the Viceroy expressed the opinion that it seemed doubtful whether the
assurance as regards the Turkish estates should be given^ and enquired whether
the agreement should be ratified.