File 160/1903 'Persian Gulf: El Katr; appointment of Turkish Mudirs; question of Protectorate Treaty with El Katr' [‎165v] (335/860)

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Sheikh Jasim is recognised by the tribesmen and Turks as the Chief, and
from the latter he holds the title of Kaimmakam, but he repudiates the title
and has for a number of years left his brother, Ahmed, to deal with the Turks
at A1 Bidaa.
All official correspondence, however, is addressed by the Turks to Sheikh
Jasim, whom they hold responsible for the behaviour of the tribes.
Sheikh Jasim has four grown-up sons and five young ones, but none of
these appear to interest themselves in the affairs of the district, and due to the
habit of Sheikh Ahmed assisting his brother in tribal affairs and being left to
deal with the Turks stationed in Katr and share in the government of the
district generally, he has acquired power and authority which the Turks and
tribesmen respect, and which his nephews are not strong enough to wrest from
him With a view to avoid disruption in the family, and rendering it weak
to withstand further Turkish encroachment in Katr, Sheik Jasim recognises
the position of his brother and has made no attempt to ensure the leadership
to either of his sons on his death, and these facts are, in my opinion, sufficiently
significant to inspire a strong belief in the probability of Sheikh Ahmed
succeeding his brother. The Chief of Bahrein, whom I questioned on the sub
ject, and who is well informed in the affairs of Katr, entertains the same views
as regards the position of Sheikh Ahmed.
Telegram, dated the 10th January 1903.
From—The Foreign Secretary, His Excellency the Viceroy’s Camp, Rnra,
To—The Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire,
My letter 2042 E. of 3rd October 1902. El Katr. Eollowing telegram
from Secretary State, dated 22nd December:— Begins. O^onor reports
announcement in semi-official newspaper “Ikdam” of 27 th November of
intention of Turkish Government to establish small administrateve units at
Zobara, at Dikchir, at Adide, which is presumably El Odeid, and at Jezireh-ul-
Amair, which he identifies with Abuali island. O’Conor fears protest will be
considerably resented, having regard to Turkish feeling about Koweit and Aden
delimitation, and adds that, though it may be advisable to protest for political
reasons, he does not expect any result unless we are prepared to go further.
Please let me have your views. See my Secret despatch No. 37 of 5th Sep
tember last. Ends. Please give your views with as little delay as possible.
Abuali island is perhaps Jezirat Ali. Where is Dikchir?
Telegram, dated the 14th January 1903.
From—The Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire,
To —The Foreign Secretary, Calcutta.
Your telegram of the 10th January. I cannot identify Zoheradikchir (sec).
It may be Zobara, or else place on the opposite coast of Katr named Dhakira
on the chart. If Zobara is meant, objections to its occupation by the Turks
are strong and are well known to the Government of India. The same remark
applies to Odeid. If another place in Katr is meant, objections might not be
so strong as to Zobara, but it seems probable that extension of Turkish autho
rity in Katr may adversely affect our interests hereafter. In any case, our
relations with Bahrein and Abu Tkabi rendered it necessary to prevent the
occupation of Zobara and Odeid. Amair must be island referred to in my
letter No. 95, 2(ith April last. It is north of Katif, and its occupation does not
concern us.
Telegram, dated the 27th February 1903.
From—The Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
To—Foreign Secretary, Calcutta.
My telegram of the 14th January. El Katr. Reports from Bahrein con
firm announcement made by “ Ikdam.” Private Secretary to Governor of Hassa