'Persian Gulf précis. (Parts I and II)' [‎49r] (97/120)

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Kasr in latter Khor. The line would then pass north of Umm Kasr wells and
north of Safwan wells and Jabal Sanam to the llatk ridge ; thence south-west
along the Batin as far as and including Hafar wells. From Hafar it turns
south-east towards Safah and includes the wells ; passing thence south-south-
east, for about 25 miles, it includes A1 Gara'a wells; and from thence
proceeds due east passing south of Wabrah and Anta's wells and so on until it
cuts coast at southern shore of Mussalamiyah Bay which with its islands is
claimed by Shaikh.
As regards Umm Kasr, Safwan and Mussalamiyah, Shakespear remarks
that whereas Shaikh has always specifically claimed these points when mention
of them has arisen, we have never informed him that we questioned his claims
and he will consequently be greatly disappointed when he learns that they
have been arbitrarily excluded from his territory.
Basis of boundary arrived at by Shakespear is the actual control of wells
by tribesmen owning allegiance to Shaikh Mubarak and this of course is the
main test of territorial possession in desert countries inhabited by nomads;
documentary evidence in such cases is never procurable.
Following evidence or considerations are advanced in support of particular
points:—
As regards Umm Kasr, until present occupation of Turks, wells were
habitually frequented by Kuwait Arabs and all disputes arising there were
referred to Kuwait and not to Zobair, although former is three times as
distant. Same remarks apply to Safwan.
The line connecting Safwan with Ratk marks the northern boundary of
the grazing grounds used by Kuwait Arabs.
Batin is universally recognised as dividing line between adherents of
Shaikh Mubarak and those of Ibn Eashid. If latter's tribesmen cross it they
are regarded as raiders.
As regards Hafar and its position in regard to Ibn Bashid—see paragraph
6 of my letter 1727 above mentioned. The wells of As Safah and A1 Gara'a
occupy similar position vis a vis Bin-Saud.
Wabrah wells are within the recognised sphere of the Umtair tribe who
have always been subordinate to Shaikh Mubarak. Properly speaking their
sphere also includes the Summan district to the southward.
As regards Anta'a see Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. telegram 437, dated 6th June 1908, to
India and enclosure to letter 1314 of 8th June 1908.
The line Ilafar, Safah, A1 Gara'a, Wabrah and Anta'a forms the limit
within which the Shaikh is responsible for safety of caravans.
As regards Mussalamiyah. The bay is the head-quarters and main pro
visioning base of the Kuwait pearling fleet.
Any disputes arising there are referred to Kuwait and the locality is not
used by other pearling boats.
\ The islets of Qaru, Umm al Maradim and Kubar are all uninhabited and
waterless, but are frequented by Kuwait boats for purposes of catching fish and
turtle and gathering fuel, and are generally recognised as appertaining to
Kuwait.
Failakah is inhabited and governed by Shaikh Mubarak's brother.
Shaikh levies " zikat" or tithes on the following tribes roaming over tract
in question, viz,:—
Awazim, Umtair, Ajman and Bani Khalid with the exception of a few
amimportant and distant sections.