File 619/1907 Pt 7 'Arms traffic: Persian Gulf. Debai incident.' [‎208r] (97/142)

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From Gommander-in-Chief, East Indies, t& Admiralty, London,
30th December 1910.
No. 233. . / n
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. and I have carefully gone into cause of fighting (at)
Dibai, and we are of opinion it was the culmination of a growing feeling of
hostility to the measures enforced for the suppression of arms traffic on t his
coast. The immediate cause was resentment at the attempted search (of)
two houses. On previous recent occasion, on which Sheikh had been asked
to have a house searched he did in such a perfunctory way as to make the
operation a farce. On the present occasion though called upon by the Com
mander (of) landing party (to) meet him and search certain houses with
support of our men, he failed (to) comply and did not appear until trouble
had begun. . .
The impression conveyed by several reports of British officers is that he
allowed trouble to commence, either by apathy or intention, but that when
he saw that it had gone too far he exerted himself to stop it and show that
he was able to control it when he chose.
The Sheikh came on board “ Hyacinth ” at Dibai on 28th December under
a safe return to interview 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. and myself. He altogether
repudiated complicity in the firing on our men and alleged that the latter
had started the firing. His statements generally were altogether contrary
to facts reported by our officers and could not be accepted.
He, having further refused, in spite of explanations, to allow a tide pole
to be replaced which had been erected by the officer commanding boat, and
which Sheikh had caused to be removed, or agree (to) receive a British
officer as Resident’s Agent, Dibai, we have, accondinglv made the following
demand on him in writing, and have allowed him 48 hours for compliance,
viz.
—Immediate replacement of the tide pole and retention as long as
needed by the officer commanding His Majesty’s ship stationed here.
2nd. Accept telegraph installation whenever considered necessary by the
Government in accordance with provisions of additional article of the
Treaty, 4th May,
3 rc p Delivery of 400 serviceable rifles, lo be collected from inhabitants.
4 th. Payment of Rs. 50,000 as a fine, to be considered at the disposal
of Government, and the retention or restoration of wdiole or any portion
to be affected by his acceptance following two further conditions which,
however, are not part of present ultimatum, pending the concurrence
of the Government.
5 th.—Acceptance British officer as an agent, with a small personal guard,
and co-operation in finding himself suitable quarters, and according of
protection and friendly treatment.
0 t h—Acquiescence exchange (of) existing primitive and unsatisfactory
postal arrangements for a sub post-office of the India Postal Depart
ment, as at other ports where steamers call in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
Resident and I are convinced that both political, commercial, and arms
traffic requirements on the trucial coast A name used by Britain from the nineteenth century to 1971 to refer to the present-day United Arab Emirates. demand appointment of a British
officer at Dibai. A proper post office is also needed by our traders, and a
wireless telegraph installation is indispensable if a British officer is located
there. We recommend that we be authorised to take present opportunity
to insist Sheikh undertake (to) accept these measures. It will be under
stood that installation (of) British officer will mean that a sufficient guard
must be provided for his safety and wireless telegraphy installed. I have
small installation available at once and would propose erect it pending
Replacement by a more effective one. Copy of this telegram has been sent to
Government of India by 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. .