'Persian Gulf précis. (Parts I and II)' [‎22v] (44/120)

dates from Basrah authorities, and the rendering of voluntary co-operation in
emergencies, such as that afforded to Midhat Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. in 1871. These indications,
which ceased in 1898, might be tacWy resumed ; but the payment of tribute
would seem to be both unnecessary and unexpected and its suggestion would
be greatly resented by Shaikh, while it would create the worst possible impres
sion among other Arab Shaikhs in their relations with us. I would venture
earnestly to deprecate it.
5. As regards suggestion 4. I presume that " control of port" is intended
to cover effective control on shore as well as afloat, such as we exercise in Egypt.
Without that, the position would, in my judgment, be fraught with innumer
able impracticabilities especially if last section of the railway were not under our
control. Once Kuwait has become terminus of the railway and a large com
mercial port, with foreign business houses, questions of territoriality, &c., must
necessarily arise and the crude regime of the Shaikh would have to give place
to a more civilised administration, and this must be under the supervision of
British Government who would deal with Foreign Powers on Shaikh's behalf.
6. Whatever form of recognition of Turkish suzerainty be decided upon
it should include the stipulation that Bubiyan, Um Kasr and Warba be recog
nised as within the Shaikh's sphere of control, and the present Turkish guardian
ship should be removed.
7. It would further seem necessary to stipulate that the recognition of
suzerainty was specifically contingent upon definitive decision to make Kuwait
the terminus. Otherwise, having brought about such recognition by us,
Germany might say that on further consideration it had been decided that Fao
or Basrah would be the most convenient place for the terminus. In this con
nection it is well to remember that, before the Baghdad Railway reaches the
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , we might have found it necessary to undertake the dredging of
the bar in connection with the Mohammerah-Julfa Railway or the require
ments of the oil trade.
8. Finally, it is clear thit Turks cannot be expected to agree to the
transfer to the treasury of the Shaikh of Kuwait of the large customs duties and
transit duties which they now realise at Basrah. Nor on the other hand would
the Shaikh allow bulk of customs revenue to go to Turkish Government. If
then Kuwait and not Basrah is to be terminus, a fair division will be essential.
It would seem probably that it is this consideration which will mainly influence
the selection of terminus. In my opinion, the settlement of Fedaghia question
can await the opening of railway negotiations, provided that these are not
likely to be long deferred. Ends.
A change of policy is involved by the proposals of His Majesty's Govern
ment, and I earnestly recommend that there should be no surrender of our
position until (1) we secure predominant control in Baghdad-Kuwait section of
railway, say, 60 per cent of capital and control as minimum, and (2) share with
the Shaikh the absolute control of Kuwait harbour and port ashore and afloat.
I would further urge as a sine quz non that before concluding suzerainty
negotiations a specific assurance be secured that lerminus shall be at Kuwait.
If these essential conditions can be secured, I generally support Cox's views.
It would be better that there should be no question of payment of tribute : an
arrangement under whicli the Shaikh and the Turks divide the Kuwait customs
receipts to compensate latter for losses of revenue at Basrah, would seem all
Uiat is required. I also assume that our own agreements with Shaikh will not
be invalidated by recognition of Turkish suzerainty.
Telegram P., dated the 3rd March 1911.
From—H is Majesty's Secretary of State for India, London,
To—His Excellency the Viceroy, Calcutta,
With reference to your telegram of the 23rd February, I await your
despatch regarding Persian railways, but, meantime, have you considered what
will be the effect of extension of Baghdad Railway to Khanikin if the trans-
Persian line is not constructed ? It is precisely in order to compete with the