File 3208/1908 Pt 4 ‘Persian Gulf: acts of piracy by Ahmed bin Selman near Katif [Turkish discourtesy to commander of HMS “Lapwing” at Katif]’ [‎110r] (215/358)

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[Confidential.]
No. 463, dated Bushire, the 27th September (received 9th October) 1905.
From— Major P. Z. COX, C.I.E., Officiating 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,
To—'S. M. Fraser, Esq., C.I.E., Secretary to the Government of India in
• Foreign Department.
In continuation of my telegram, dated 27th instant, I have the honour to
forward copies of correspondence which
has passed in connection with the subject
dealt with in my letter No. 421, dated
and September, to your address, namely
the delivery of a slave to the Kaimakam of
Katif.
(1) Consul. Basrah, to Resident, telegram, dated
the 29th August 1905.
(2) Resident to Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , Bahrein, letter
No. 1307, dated the 7th September 1905.
( 3 ) First Assistant Resident to Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. ,
Bahrein, No. 13*1. dated the 7th September .9 .5.
(4) Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , Bahrein, No. 325, dated the
2ist September 1905.
A copy of enclosure (4) has been sent to His Majesty’s Consul, Basrah.
Telegram No. 108, dated the 29th August 1905.
From—His Majesty’s Consul, Basrah,
To— Major P. Z. Cox, C.I.E., Officiating 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.
Telegram from you, dated 23rd August 1905. New Kaimakam has been
directed by the Vali to arrest pirate quickly, take evidence of the slave, and to
send information of the result to the Vilayet. Copies of the Consulate letters
have been enclosed by him. Ambassador says that we have no legal right to
demand surrender, but he thinks that we can regard it in the same way as fugitve
slave cases. Representations accordingly are being made by him. The new
Kaimakam is awaiting a direct boat to Bahrein.
No. 1307, dated the 7th September 1905.
From— Major P. Z. Cox, C.I.E., Officiating 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,
To— Captain F. B. Prideaux, I.A., Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , Bahrein.
I have the honour to refer to your letter No. 261, dated 10th August, report
ing another piracy by some of Ahmed-bin-Selman’s gang.
The Government of India was informed and His Britannic Majesty’s Consul,
Basrah, asked to continue pressing the Turkish authorities.
I also addressed the Senior Naval Officer with a view to H. M. S. “ Lapwing”
being sent up if possible on her arrival at Muscat where she was very
shortly expected. That vessel however being delayed, Captain Bowman has
been good enough to return with H. M. S. “ Sphinx ” and should now be with
you.
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2. Your recent commendable personal efforts to circumvent these pirates
were duly communicated to Government.
Unfortunately they have not yet been crowned with success, but it is very
necessary that we with the help and advice of the Commanders of His Majesty’s
ships, should persevere in the endeavour to check the piracies, and pending any
sanction that may ultimately be accorded for arming a dhow A term adopted by British officials to refer to local sailing vessels in the western Indian Ocean. or supervising an
armed dhow A term adopted by British officials to refer to local sailing vessels in the western Indian Ocean. , I think the knowledge on the Arab coast that a man-of-war was
on the spot would have a deterrent effect in lawless quarters, and that H. M.
S. Sphinx ” might usefully cruise in the vicinity of the pearl banks and keep
herself in evidence.
3. It might do good too if you were to proceed to Katif in her and have a
friendly interview with the Kaimakam in order to see what he is doing in the
direction of Ahmed-bin-Selman’s capture.
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