'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Part I Historical and Political Materials, Précis of Koweit [Kuwait] Affairs, 1896-1904' [‎39] (56/132)

89
152. The cables were then busy with important telegraphic correspondence
between the Secretary of State, His Excellency the Viceroy) the Political llesi-
dent, Bushire, and the Naval Commander -in-Chief as to the measures to be
taken against the threatened attacks on Koweit by the Turks and the Amir,
which should be read
Ko. 887.
(1) Telegram, dated the 12th August 1901.
From—'His Majesty's Secretary of State for India, London,
To—His Excelleocy the Viceroy, Simla.
11 O'Conor instructed on 10th that, if further information shows attack on Koweit is
really intended, he fchouid ask for explanation. If explanation unsatisfactory, he is to intimate
that we shall if necessary> use force to prevent it as contemplated in my telegram of 14th
February 1899. Mubarak may be informed, if you think fit, that, although we do not desire
to proclaim a Protectorate, our agreement with him will be observed if he observes his engagement
to us."
. Ko. 230.
[This telegram was repeated 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. with instructions to commnmcate it
personally to the Sheikh aa ordered he left on 18th August for Koweit.^
(2) Telegram, dated the 12th August 1901.
From—His Excellency the Naval Commander-in-Chief, Eaat Indian Station,
To— The Foreign Secretary, Simla.
u Referrino' to your telegram 1362-E.A., t{ Perseus " and " Marathon ' both at Karachi
8phi?tx at Bushire. "Perseus" has been ordered to proceed to Bushire'With despatch.
" Marathon" has heavy sick list, but has been directed to prepare for sea at very short
iiotice. u
(3) Telegram, dated the 20th August 1901.
His Excellency the Naval Commander-in -Chief, East Indian Station, Port Louis,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Military Marine) Department.
« Ferseus at Koweit Sphinx left Bushire to-day for same place, conveying Resident in the
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . Marathon leaving Karachi for Bushire probably 22nd of August with despatch.
Request concurrence Government of India to utilise " Assaye" in Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. if necessary.
(4) Telegram, dated the 23rd August 1901*
jjom 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,
To—The Foreign Secretary, Simla.
" Your telegram, 14th August. Koweit. I have returned from Koweit where I made
communication to Mubarak as directed. Sheikh, Mohammerah, has written to Mubarak to
ask faim if he would advise messenger for Amir of Nejd going via Koweit. Mubarak replied
that Koweit road impassable, and suggested the Najaf road, i hope scon to hear ^ th ®
Sheikh of Mohammerah has been able to despatch Envoy. Perseus is at Kowcit^
" Sphinx" here I hear "Marathon" is on her way to Bushire, but I do not think she is
required here at present. I am inclined to think that she had better wait at Karachi,
from which place she can reach Koweit within few days, if we heai Turkey, m
disregard of warning, intends pushing attack by land. Intense heat in Gulf now hkdy to
render ships inefficient. I hear from Basrah that Turkish gun-boat e£t 22nd August for Katax
with intention of calling at Keweit. Ferseus will not allow her to land troops there.
No. 247.
No. 261,
(5) Telegram, dated the 24th August 1901. N0,
From—His Excellency the Naval Commander-in-Chief, East Indian Station, Port Louis.
To—The Foreign Secretary, Simla.
"Telesrram received from f Sphinx ^ Bushire, 2Srd AugustHave just returned from
Koweit with Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. - All quiet. Ferseus remains therewithorders to
prevent TurUsh gun-hoat landing troops, using force if necessary. She has not left Busrah
vet About four thousand Turkish troops are massed seven days journey from Koweit
Marathon will a rive Bushire, 26th August. May I uss force if necessary ?