File 3208/1908 Pt 1 ‘Persian Gulf: Dayir pirates (coast of Persia)’ [‎104v] (148/330)

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I have sent the following reply :—
« Your telegram No. 175, dated December 10th. I informed the Persian
Government on explicit instructions from the Foreign Office that the pirates,
if captured, would be handed over to satisfy the authorities, and we cannot
well now attach conditions to the fulfilment of that promise. Though it
might take time, I could put on strong pressure to obtain death sentence.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs gives me his per aortal opinion that, if the
notoriety of their crimes is as great as you say and if proof of the murders can
be produced, the pirates would be executed.
“ I see no objection to the burning of the dhows as you suggest.
“ Pending an expression of the views of the Secretary of State, to whom I
am reporting, you might retain the prisoners in custody.”
Sent as No. 371 to the Foreign Office.
Telegram No. 732-, dated Bushire, the 12th (received 13th) December 1907.
Prom—M ajor P. Z. Cox, C.I E., 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—The Secretary to tbe Government of India in the Foreign Department, Calcutta.
Following sent to Tehran :— Begins. If it is finally decided that prisoners
must be handed over to Persian authorities in view of position indicated in
your telegram No. 163 of December 11th, my opinion is that with the deli
very of the two well-known outlaws to their own Government our functions
should terminate altogether. But, except under circumstances first recom
mended, I greatly deprecate prisoners being handed over at Bushire. In fact,
persons who assisted us in effecting their arrest particularly begged that this
should not be done, as they no doubt feared bribery, escape, and retaliation.
In any case proceedings undertaken by Bushire authorities will be protracted
and probably have no finality, and thus the effect of British action, which will
cost Government some thousands of pounds, will in a great measure be nullified.
I strongly recommend, if prisoners must be handed over, that without
further intimation to Persian Government I be authorised to deliver them
immediately to the Sheikh of Mohammerah, their overlord, and who knows
them well having expelled them from his territory. A written undertaking '
could no doubt be’obtained from him to take measures which will ensure their
committing no more piracies. There is every hope that Sheikh of Mohammerah
would take really effective measures owing to his strong friendship with
Sheikh of koweit, who is greatly incensed against these pirates, whereas the
measures taken by Bushire authorities probably would not be so effective. It
w ould be quite consistent with your assurances to them if Persian Government
could be informed post Jacto of their having been delivered to Mohammerah.
Ends.
Telegram No. 273, dated and received the 13th December 1907.
From—C. M. Marling, Esq., in charge of His Bitannic Majesty's Legation at
Tehran,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department, Calcutta.
Please see your telegram No. 177. I am informing the Foreign Office
that I have authorised you to deliver the prisoners at Mohammerah. Please
take action accordingly.
Addressedto Political Besident, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , repeated to Calcutta.
Telegram No. 274, dated and received the 13th December 1907.
From—C. M. Marling, Esq., in charge of His Britannic Majesty's Legation at
Tehran,
To—The Secretary to the Governm/nt of India in the Foreign Department, Calcutta.
Please refer to your telegram No. 197. His 1^tannic Majesty’s Consul- A/
General at Bushire suggests that the pirates should be delivered to tue