'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Part I Historical and Political Materials, Précis of Koweit [Kuwait] Affairs, 1896-1904' [‎38] (55/132)

38
No. 227.
" 49. The Political Eesident was instructed accordingly. He visited Koweit,
Moliammerah and Basrah and sent the following long message on 8th August,
which showed that affairs at Koweit were again taking a bad turn.
" So far as Amir of Nejd and Sheikh Mubarak are concerned, position does not seem to
have altered. Amir of Nejd is believed to be still at his capital, but there in no communication
between Koweit and Nejd, and nothing-definite is known regarding him. Mubarak told me
that he has no intention of making hostile movement against Amir of Nejd who, he thinks is
not likely to make any move against Koweit for some time. In any case, it is certain he will
not attempt to attack Koweit unless he is ordered by Turkey and is assured of their support. I
could get no news in Koweit as to what is being done between Turkey and Amir of Nejd.
Mubarak is dependent on Basrah for his news, and he told me that he had heard that his
friend, the Vali, had Been dismissed. He understood that the counsels of his enemies at
Constantinople had prevailed, and that the Turks were prepared to concentrate troops in the
Montefik, on which he expressed his readiness to come to terms with Amir of Nejd, and pro
posed certain conditions which appeared reasonable. He cannot open negotiations himself, but
he suggpsted Sheikh of Mohammerah who is a friend of both parties as intermediary. From
Koweit I proceeded to Mohammerah where I saw Sheikh, and asked him if de would act : he
said he could not give me answer immediately, but he promised to consider matter and to let
me have a reply as soon as possible ; he said he would have great difficulty in findino- reliable
messengers to send to Amir of Nejd ; moreover, road was unsafe, and he feared to do'anythino-
which might excite displeasure of the Turks who would object to the settlement between the
Amir of Nejd and Mubarak. Failing Sheikh Khazal, the only way I can think to communicate
with Amir of Nejd is through his Basrah Agent. I then proceeded to Basrah, where I saw
Wratislaw, who told me that he had received reliable news that the Turks are preparing to con
centrate formidable force on the Euphrates. and that the well known EdhemPesha is on his way
to Baghdad to assume command. He believes that this can only be intended against Koweit,
and that great efforts will be made with in next two or three months to settle Koweit question
by torce, it necessary. I fear that if Wratislaw's news is correct, Amir of Neid will refuse
to entertain proposal for settlement with Mubarak, being assured of the Turkish support and
even if the arrangement is made, I do not think that the Turks will be deterred from proceedino
against Koweit. As to maintaining our hold over Mubarak, we can only do this if we assure
him of our support against the Turks. He asked me what he was to do if the Turks land men
at Koweit, as he could not commit himself to the extent of using force against the Turks unless
he is assured of our support and he is most anxious to know how far he can count on this,
ihere is n o doubt that the chief factor of importance in the Koweit question is the action of
Turkey. Settlement between the Amir of Nejd and Mubarak is of secondary importance,
and the question of maintaining hold upon Koweit depends entirely on the decree of sunnort
rerna^ n ^b f Turkey ' At P reseDt he is entirely in our hands and enxious to
lemainso, but i. be finds that we cannot support him, he will have to make the best terms he
can with them. Sphmx is the only ship of war now in the Gulf. She took me to Koweit
and returns me to Bus hire to coal. Under existing circumstances it seems useless for her to'
re urn to Koweit unless instructions are sent as to the action to be taken in the event of Turkey
landing men. It might be as well that she should proceed to Basrah where Turkish gun-boat
is and where she would receive earliest information of the intention of Turks to send tfoons to
Koweit by sea Fact of "Sphinx - being at Basrah might prevent any suchmoveTnt?
and give time for negotiations." ^ r "J \move menc r
150. On the 9th Colonel Kemball again telegraphed
_ Immediate danger I now fear is that Turkish troops may be landed at Kowpif from
Turkish gun-boat. At present instructions given to Navy do not allow of any active support
bomg given to Sheikh to prevent this, and it is advisable that early instructions shon d be sent
serFoos Aspect. " Tuikish to °P s ™ 1^4 matters willasLe Vfry
,, 16 ( 1 ;. T k® Government of India received confirmatory evidence ot the inten-
tions ot the Porte from a copy of a telegram addressed by the Sultan to the Vali
whfehran ^ ^ July by the of th6 and
offl J' Accordingty to the agreement of the Powers, if there is at any place a Turkish Fla* or
officert, of the Government, it is not m the right of any of the Powers to interfere. Therefore
>ou are to endeavour to persuade Sheikh Mubarak to receive a party of soldiers with their
Captam and if it ,s necesssary for promotion or presents to be made, let us know what
No. 229. Mubarak I asha wants m a report, and it will be done according to Government custom."
151 A. A purport of 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. 's telegrams, dated 8tli and 9th
VWrntwi 0 a Sultan s message was telegraphed by His Excellency the
\iceroy to the Secretary of State on lOth August with the following addition—
« Sphinx is at present the only ship of war in Gulf. But I am warnino- Admiral that
oners may be required at short notice. Please telegraph instructions as to action to be taken if
Tf^bnilulp T!?' whe . ther an y assurance of support may be given to Mubarak.
It should seem that naval demonstration in Gulf and plain words at Constantinople are Bole
means of avoiJing serious complications, if rumours as to Turkish intentions are correot."
No, 228