'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Part I Historical and Political Materials, Précis of Koweit [Kuwait] Affairs, 1896-1904' [‎29] (46/132)

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comes in. Visit of the Commission to Koweit will probably cause complications, as Sheikh
will either forbid it and Turkish escort to enter Koweit, or he may be bought over to givo
site for the terminus of railway in violation of the agreement. Wratislaw will telegraph
when Commission leaves Basrah/'
1CH. The Government of India in tlieir telegram, No. 101 E. A., dated the No. iso.
llth January 1900, instructed the Political Uesident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. :—
ct Your telegram No. 4, There does not seem to be any sufficient reason for prohibition
by Sheikh.of visit of Germans to Koweit But you should tell him in advance that, if they
propose any arrangement to him whatsoever, he should not accept without reference to you
and should abide by decision of Government of India. If you think that Sbeikh will be re
assured by presence of man-of-war, you may send one. But there is uo need for you to go at
present youl•self. ;,
109. The Secretary of State telegraphed the views of Her Majesty's Gov- No, isi.
ernment on 11th January 1900:—
"Your telegram of the 7 th of January. Koweit. Lord Salisbury considers the moment
inopportune for the proposed communication to the German Government. He prefers waiting
until Germany shows immediate intention of addressing Turkey, when we can ei'her renew
previous warning given to Porte, or come to terms with Germany as to terminus of railway."
110. On the 12th Colonel Meade telegraphed (No. 17) that he was going to No. ise.
send the message to Mubarak by the Oomtuander of the Melpomene and send
also Mr. Gaskin to interpret.
111. On 15th January Colonel Meade reported in his telegram No. 17 that No. 187.
the Melpomene had returned, that the Sheikh had promised to abide by our
advice, and that the Germans had left Basrah on 13th January.
112. In his telegram. No. 18, dated the 16th January 1900, the Political
Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. communicated further interesting news
" Since despatching my telegram No. 17 yerterday, 1 have seen Captain Denison who
pointed < ut great importance of Kathama Bay, western end of Koweit harbour, ^ which is
sheltered from the prevailing winds and has deep water close to the shore. He considers that
it is the best havbour in the Gulf, and could be made good naval and military station.
German Kailway Commission propose to have their terminus railway at this place, and if
Germany is established there under Turkish auspices, it will be difficult to dispossess her later
on. We think, therefore, Sheikh should assert his authority and refuse to allow Mission
without permission of the Government of India, to establish themselves there, make any survey
or take other step which they may assert hereafter as proof of posoession and authority of
Turkey over Koweit. Under thi se circumstances, should Captain Denison return to Koweit
with further instructions for the Sheikh ? "
113. On 16th January the Naval Commander-in-Chief received a telegram
from Captain Denison that the Germans
GucloBiire No. 1, Pro. No. 188. ^ to secure kathama ba y as
terminus of their Hallway, wliich they intended to acquire direct from the
Turks ignoring the Sheikh. He considered Kathama Bay in every respect
the best harbour in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , and thought that it should not be lost
to England, as it could be made a most important naval and military station.
114 The views of Captain Denison were telegraphed to the Secretary of No. m
State and His Eicellenoy the Viceroy aided:
" Mead^ fears some act on the part of the Turks and Germans combined, which may
afterwards be claimed as proof of Turkish authority or possession over Koweit I have acquaint
ed Colonel Meade with views of Her Majesty's Government as stated in your telegram
of Hth January. But it appears to me very likely that some such action as he fears
may force our hands? 33
115, Under instructions from the Government of India, Mr, Gaskin was sent
to Koweit to enquire and ascertain the facts connected with the visit of the
Commission. Mr. Gaskin had an interview with the Sheikh on 20th January,
and an account of the interview is given in
Eoclosare No. 1, Pro. No. 2:1. ^ of ^ ._
" On Monday morning I landed and had a long interview with Sheikh Mubarak. He
informed me that the German Mission on reaching Jehara, a village about 4 farsakha from
Koweic, and situated about a mile to the interior of the west shore of Kathama Bay, wrote
him two letters informing him of their approach and asking for an interview with him. Ihat
he sent no rephss to these letters and on the 19th instant at abou^ 1 p. m . the German Alission
entered Koweit, and he provided them with a house ; and entertainment as his guests.^ That
the party was composed of Mr. Stemnch, and German Consul-General at Constantinople
Mr. Von Kapp, the Surveyor; an Engineer, and an interpreter, with about eight servants.
They were accompanied by a lad named Abdul Karim bin Hussain A1 Mishri, a native of
Basrah ; but they had no Turkish escort, and brought no letters from the Porte, or the A'V alis
of Basrah, and Bagdad, and had only a letter of introduction from the Commander-in-Chief
at Bagdad. That during the afternoon he had a friendly and brief visit from them and they