'PERSIAN GULF AND GULF OF OMAN. RESOURCES AND COAST DEFENCES.' [‎25] (31/114)

KOW^lT. 25
Bandar-ash-Sliuwaik. Most of the water for the
town is got from these wells.
(2.) Wells with abundance of water about 3 miles S.S.E.
of Koweit.
(3.) Wells at Ras-al-Ajuza, E. of the town.
(4.) Wells at Jehara, a point close to the extreme W. end
of the harbour, and about 17 miles from Koweit.
Accorrling to the " Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Pilot," 1898, the water is
indifferent.
Food. —Cattle, poultry, and vegetables may be procured.
Roads, —The only road reported is that through Jehara. Communica-
Beyond Jehara the road divides into two branches, which, one tions.
following the coast and the other crossing the desert, unite again
at Zobeir, From Zobeir the road continues to Basra.
The distance from Koweit to Basra is about four days' march.
Curzon's map of 1891 shows a "road" leading S. from Koweit
town to A1 Katif {see p. 20), but it has not been mentioned in
late reports {see, however. Map 2 in Pocket).
There is no regular steamer communication, and no telegraph.
In 1898 the town of Koweib was surrounded by alow wall with Defences,
towers in a ruinous state ; a report made in December 1901,
however, described the town as unwalled.
According to the " Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Pilot," 1898, S.E. of the
town, between Ras-al-Ajuza and Raa-al-Arz, were three small
forts, near the coast.
Beyond and in the neighbourhood of Ras-al-Arz there were in
1898 three forts," as follows :—
(1.) About 1,300 yards S.W. of Ras-al-Arz.
(2.) Ahout 3 miles S.W. of the point.
(3,) About 5^ miles S.W. of the point. A small hill fort
180 feet above the &ea.
One of the above (it is not clear which) was pulled down in
1900 and a new one constructed in its place. It was visited in
1901 and was reported to be of no value for coast defence, as it
could easily be destroyed by a ship's heavy guns. It appeared
to be intended mainly for defence against hostile Arabs.
The work is quadrilateral in shape with a tower at each angle.
The interior is divided into two parts by a wall.
In 1901 no guns were mounted, but the Sheikh of Koweit
stated that he hoped shortly to place there two machine guns
which he had arranged to obtain.
In 1898, there were the following small works : (1) at Fa- Coast
naitis, 10 miles S. of Ras-al-Arz; (2) at Abu Halaifa, 3 miles "forts" S. of
S. of Fanaitis; and (3) at Shiaiba, miles S. of Abu Halaifa; Rasal -Aiz.
all (it is understood) in Koweit territory.