File 619/1907 Pt 3 'Arms Traffic:- Koweit Trade.' [‎117v] (239/720)

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great importance in the relations between England, Turkey, and Germany, both in
itself and also in relation to the position in Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran.
generally. If the Bagdad question could be settled in a satisfactory manner, I was
convinced that it would have an admirable effect on the relations of the three
countries.
Hakki Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. said that the question of Koweit was at the root of the Turkish
feeling about British action in that part of the world. On this subject he spoke strongly
He said that he regarded it as beyond doubt that British action in relation to Koweit
I had been unjust. Under British protection, although there was not a protectorate in
the technical sense of the word, Koweit was the centre of the contraband arms traffic
and a source of continual conflict with its neighbours. So long as this anomalous state
of affairs existed, it was impossible to restore peace and order in that part of the
world. Koweit was like a thorn stuck in the side of Turkey ; and it was British
action there more than anywhere else that had created suspicions of British aims in
Mesopotamia.
I said that I was not acquainted with the details of the question, but whatever
the rights or wrongs of the matter, his Highness knew perfectly well that British action
regarding Koweit was not directed against Turkey, but against the possibility of
Koweit falling into other hands. The Grand Vizier said that he quite realised this, but
that practically the action taken by way of defence against another Power operated as
against Turkey. It was not in any way Turkey s interest or desire to permit any other
Power to establish itself there. Even under the old regime, Abdul Hamid had not
permitted the Germans to acquire a coaling station in the Red Sea. The new regime
would be even more strongly opposed to any such acquisition. If there were any doubt
as to this, Turkey would he willing to take formal engagements as to the use of Koweit
as a naval station. He said that, in his opinion, the matter was one that ought to be
capable of settlement if there was good-will on both sides ; but he complained that he
had been unable to obtain a frank and full discussion of the question, which was the
first condition of an understanding.
I said that the matter was not one in which I was entitled to express an opinion,
but that I saw with great regret the extreme sensitiveness of Turkish opinion as
regards the most innocent and legitimate activities of British shipping and commerce
in the Gulf. I referred to a recent article by Ismail Hakki Babanzadb, in which the
presence of British shipping at Bussorah and the extent of British trade there were
treated as matters of offence and indications of sinister intentions ; whereas it was
clearly essential to the prosperity of the country to welcome all the shipping and trade
that could come, whatever the nationality.
Hakki Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. replied that articles in the press must not be taken too seriously.
Ismail Hakki Babanzade had just returned from Bagdad and Bussorah ; and what had
produced more impression on him than any tiling else was the question of Koweit.
The Grand Vizier then returned to the question of the Bagdad Railway. He said
that the Germans must be allowed to complete the line to Bagdad, but that he quite
recognised that beyond Bagdad it was necessary to find some arrangement which would
satisfy England. W hat precise solution was to be preferred he could not say. The
Germans had certain “ droits acquis,” and clearly any arrangement must be a matter
for negotiation; and it was for the interests concerned to formulate proposals. The
Turkish Government would be very anxious to arrive at a settlement, and would be
prepared to bring pressure on the Germans with this object. One solution would be to
l |ne south of Bagdad an international one ; another solution would be that it
should be a Turkish Government line, a suitable arrangement being made with the
interests concerned for providing the capital.
As regards the position of Turkey generally, he said emphatically that, in his
view, it vyas most undesirable to give any one Power an exclusive or preponderant
influence in Turkish affairs. He wished to remain on good terms with all the world;
and the interests of Turkey lay in securing the assistance of all the Powers equally for
her development.
I fl 1611 spoke again of the position of the bank. I said that so far the bank had
received no practical evidence of the Government’s desire to support it. No Govern-
ment accounts had been given to us, and the only semi-official account we had was that
o t e Commission de la I lotte. T he Constantinople loan had only been arranged after
competition with other banks, and after a struggle lasting over several months. I
asked whether he could give me any assurances of practical support in the future
which I could lay before our friends in London. Hakki Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. said that, as regards
Government accounts, their hands were tied to a very considerable extent by the terms