'A précis of the Relations of the British Government with the Tribes and Shaikhs of Arabistan. By Lt A T Wilson, Acting Consul for Arabistan' [‎55] (69/134)

55
CHAPTEH TX.
The Relations of the Shaikh of Mohammerah with the Turks.
From the foregoing narrative of the Turko-Persian frontier it will be
apparent that whilst along other parts of the frontier, in the words of
Mr. Parker s memorandum ' the whole weight of tradition and documentary
proof goes to show that Persia and not Turkey is the aggrieved party," in
Arabistan the Persian Government has at no time had serious reason to
complain of Turkish aggression and has for the last 50 years enjoyed a
locally recognized boundary line more favourable than that defined by the
mediating Commissioners and practically identical with that claimed by the
Persian Commissioners. Hawizeh, moreover, which has always been Persian,
remains so 1 together with the country in its vicinity to the westwards, though
the mediating Commissioners' line bisects the town.
1 his state of things is due partly to Turkish military and administra
tive weakness along this frontier, partly to the fact that the tribes on either
side of the boreder are of the same religion, though the Turks themselves
are Snnnis, and partly to the wise policy adopted by successive Shaikhs of
Mohammerah in their relations with the Turks. "The last-named factor
forms the subject of the present Chapter.
1 he relations of the representatives of the Persian and Turkish Govern
ments here, as elsewhere along the frontier, are nominally governed by the
provisions of the Treaty of Erzeroum, 1848, the Protocol of 1869 and the
Convention of 1875. 2
By the Treaty of 3 1746 between Turkey and Persia, extradition of fugi
tives is mutually compulsory on both Powers.
K.rtmet TrdnslcitioTi. If after the date of the present Treaty any of the subjects
of th6 two Courts should take refuge in the respective States no protection will
be accorded to such fugitives, on the contrary they will be handed over on demand to
the Charge d'Affaires concerned.
By the Treaty of 1823 between Turkey and Persia (confirmed in 1847)
non-interference in the internal affairs of either State is enjoined and if
frontier tribes of either side pass the boundary customary tribute must be
paid.,
Extract—Translation.—!. The two High Powers do not admit each others inter
ference in the internal affairs of their respective States. From this period on the side
of Baghdad and Kurdistan no interference is to take place * * *_ ^nd on the
frontier {sc. that of Kurdistan) should the tribes of either side pass the boundaries for
a winter or summer residence, the Agents of His Royal Highness the Heir-apparent,
with the Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. of Baghdad shall arrange the tribute customary to be paid, the rent of
the pasture lands, and other claims, in order that they may not cause any misunder-
atanding between the two Governments.
4. In conformity with ancient engagements, the deserters from either country shall
not be received; and in like manner, from this period, the wandering tribes and others
quitting Persia for Turkey, or Turkey for Persia shall not receive protection from either
party. , . . •• • •
By the Treaty of Erzeroum, 1847, privileges and protection are to be
enjoyed by Persian pilgrims and all Persian subjects. In regard to the sup
pression of brigandage on the frontiers (Article 8) :—
Extract—Translation. —The two High Mussalman Powers undertake to adopt and!
put into execution the measures necessary in order to prevent and suppress robberies and
acts of brigandage of the tribes and other peoples established on the frontiers, to whica
end they will place troops at suitable spots. And they undertake to acquit themselves
of their duty as regards every kind of act of aggression, such as pillages, depredation,
or murder, which the two High Powers will leave once for all to the free will of the
1 Article I of the Treaty of Peace between Turkey and Persia,, 1727 (Hertslet 's Persian Treaties im \
f. 154) (" La province d Hnyeise et la jurisdiction de Sultenie doivent etre ced& a V. H. com me , aisant partie de
k Uovaume de Perse. ) (It had never however been in Turkish handO
* Vide Aitchison 's Treaties, Vol. XII, 4th Edition, App. 17 to 20.
1 See Hertilet'f " Persian Treaties," 1891, p. 159.