'Précis on naval arrangements in the Persian Gulf, 1862-1905' [‎30] (38/64)

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his proceedings to Tehran ; but he lost no time in sending false information about
the British Resident at Bushire, and the British despatch-boat Sphinx, when
they were only assisting in carrying out the Amir's own orders, and in preventing
a very serious question assuming still more serious dimensions. Colonel Ross
would have been perfectly justified in sending the Sphinx to replace the British
flag on the Iran by force, and in protecting the Blosse Lynch from seizure ; that
he did not do so had been an additional proof of his courteous and conciliatory
nature, and of his friendl3 r feeling towards Persia. It was suggested to the
Amin, in a private and unofficial way, that it might be well perhaps to replace
the Foreign Office Agent at Muhammerah by a more intelligent, conciliatory
and straightforward functionary.
(viii) Communications between naval officers and naval chiefs or officials. Opera
tions on land by naval officers to suppress the trade, slaves, 1898-99.
52, In June 1898 Commander Baker of H. M. S. Sphinx observed a
Secret e ., November 1898. Nos. 560-600 (Nos. native vessel which he suspected of being
594-S97)- engaged in slave traffic, close in shore,
abreast of the village of Sinna, in the territory of the Sultan of Maskat. Endea
vours were made to overhaul the vessel, but the crew succeeded in effecting a
landing before the Sphinx could reach her.
Commander Baker then sent away two boats, one fully armed to
intercept the fugitives on land and to prevent their escape, the other with
side arms to deliver a message from Commander Baker to the Sheikh of Sinna.
The Sheikh came out surrounded by followers armed with Martini-Henry rifles,
swords and spears, and a collision was only avoided by the bold front shown by
the officers in command of the landing parties.
53. Ultimately Lieutenant Robinson landed unarmed with the interpreter
under the protection of the cutter and a landing party lying off _ the beach in a
boat, and interviewed the headman, with the result that the fugitive crew of the
badan were handed over to Commander Baker. On examination they proved
mostly to be Arabs and were allowed to resume possession of their vessel.
S3*A. The Sultan of t Maskat complained of these proceedings to Major Fagan,
„ „ and as they were considered irregular,
ecret ., March 1 gg, os. 247-254. ]yj a j es ^y» s Government, on the recom-
mendation of the Indian Government, directed that, save in exceptional circum
stances, all intercourse between naval officers and native chiefs or officials
at Maskat and in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. should be conducted through the medium or
with the knowledge of the Political Officers.
53-B. Stress was also laid on the rule already recognised, that in the
absence of exceptional circumstances naval officers should undertake no active
measures on land without the previous approval of the responsible political
officers, and that naval officers are responsible to the superior political com
manders for the exercise of the discretion left to thena (Secretary of State's
despatch No. 43, Secret, dated 16th December 1898),