'Précis on naval arrangements in the Persian Gulf, 1862-1905' [‎18] (26/64)

i8
17. You will make such arrangements for the disposition of the squadron, changing the
stations of the ships, including those employed in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , as may appear to you
to be best calculated to preserve the health and efficiency of the crews, and you are in all
cases to endeavour to keep the local authorities informed of any orders which you may give
for the removal of any vessel (especially those in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ) for sanitary reasons or
otherwise,
19. The Duke of Argyll agreed to the terms proposed and approved of
the draft instructions above quoted, but suggested that the arrangement might
be considered temporary and provisional (Despatch to the Admiralty dated
26th August 1869.)
(iii) Instructions for the g-uidance of Officers Commanding Her Majesty's Ships
employed on special service in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
20. In May 1871 Captain E. F. Ladders, Commander of Her Majesty's
Political A, August 1871, Nos. 51-64. Bullfinch, informed Colonel Pelly that
he had been sent to assist in the duties
hitherto performed by the vessels belonging to the Indian Government and for
warded the following instructions received from his Commander-in-Chief;—
Dated on board the Farie at Bombay, nth April 1871.
Instructions by JAMES H or SFGRD cogkburn, Esq., Rear-Admiral of Her Majesty's Fleet,
and Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty's Ships and Vessels employed, and to be
employed) on the East India Station, to be observed by Officers Commanding Her
Majesty's Ships employed on special service in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
The vessels employed on this service are to maintain the police of the waters of the
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , and to prevent the Arab Chiefs of the Coast from rendering the trade and
navigation insecure by their piratical expeditions. These Chiefs are bound by Treaty not
to engage in hostilities at sea.
AH expeditions for this purpose are to be restrained by Her Majesty's gun-vessels,
and the Chiefs are not to be allowed to engage in the slave trade.
2. As difficulties are apt to arise suddenly, requiring prompt action for the mainte
nance of order m these waters, you are to consider yourself at the disposal of the British
Kesident or i olitiCcU Agent for the support oi British authority.
3. The Resident or other local authority being well acquainted with the habits of the
people, and well qualified to judge as to the course to be pursued in dealing with the
iNative Princes and people, Commanding Officers will understand that they are not to
adopt any aggressive measures without the sanction of such authority.
4. Commanding Officers will be themselves responsible it they undertake any hostile
operat.on wtthout reasonable prospect of success, or when the lives of the men under
their orders might be unduly exposed to danger.
nn 5 ' for the g uida n ce of Her Majesty's Naval officers on this station
tL rnL* a J- 8 TK f t . S > h0St ^ are r t0 be en § a g ed in without th e authority of
the Commander-in-Chief, but it is obvious that this rule cannot apply to the vessels
employed, under the circumstances above explained, in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
Native Princes and people with whom Naval officers may have to communicate are
to be treated with courtesy and consideration. 7 communicate are
By Command of the Commander-in-Chief.
(Sd.) E. HARRIS,
Secretary,
U wi'I he noted that the main objects of employing Royal Navy
vessels in the Gulf are indicated on the above instructions to be (1) policing the
waters of the Gulf and restraming piracies and hostilities by sea by the Arab
C lefs and (2) preventing the Chiefs from engaging in slave trade.