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]’ [‎157v] (310/358)

2
{3rd) Piracy committed at sea on a Bahrein boat 8 miles north of
Bahrein, vide this office letter No. 237, dated 1st October
1900.
(dth) Piracy committed on a Bahrein boat off Ojair, vide this office
letter No. 238, dated 1st October 1900.
3. With reference to the first case the pirates are believed to belong to
the Beni Hajir tribe, residing on the El-Katr Peninsula. It has not been
possible to ascertain who the pirates actually were or from what place they
obtained the boat in which they committed the piracy. The only way that I
can suggest of obtaining compensation for the victims in this piracy is to
attach such goods as may be found in Bahrein belonging to the Chief of Katr,
whom we hold responsible for keeping order within his territory. I propose
to visit Bahrein shortly and will ascertain how far this suggestion is feasible.
The second case has been partially settled by the Turks. In the third case no
settlement has been effected. In the fourth case most of the property taken
belonged to Turkish subjects, and the Turkish authorities have, I am informed,
taken steps to punish the tribe who committed this piracy. The Bahrein
subjects, however, who suffered on the occasion, have not, so far as I have
heard, been given any redress.
So far as these three cases are concerned, I can only suggest that if my
proposal to send a ship of war to Katif in connection with the murder of
Shaikh Selman bin Diaij el Khalifa is approved, vide my letter No. 146, dated
12th August 1901, the opportunity might be taken of demanding a settlement
of the cases.
No. 1964 -E.A., dated Simla, the 16 th November 1901 .
From—The Under-Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department,
To— Lieutenant-Colonel C. A. Kemball, 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. .
I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 187, dated the
14th October 1901, regarding certain piracies which occurred during 1900 on
the Arabian Coast of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
2 , You were authorised in my letter No. 1803-E.A., dated the 21st Octo
ber 190], to arrange for a man-of-war to be sent to Katif at some convenient
opportunity with a view to enquiries being made as to what steps, if any, have
been taken by the local Turkish officials to punish the murderers of Sheikh
Selman bin Diaij el Khalifah and others of Bahrein. Enquiries may, as you
suggest, be made at the same time as to the action that is being taken in
regard to those cases of piracy mentioned in your letter under acknowledg
ment, for the settlement of which the Turkish authorities have already been
held responsible. The Commander of the vessel should, however, be careful
to coniine himself to enquiries and should make no demand upon the local
officials. As to the case which occurred within the jurisdiction of the Chief of
El Katr, a further report will be awaited.
(1) From the Marquess of Lansdowne to Sir T am to take this Opportunity of
N. o’Conor, flo. 20s, dated the 12th September forwarding, for your information, copies
] 9 (S) From sir n. o’ Conor toMarque., of of the letters marked _ on _ the margin, on
Lansdowne, No. 3<i, dated the 6th September the subject of these piratical outrages on
1901, with enclosure. the Arab Coast.
No. 227 , dated Bushire, the 2 Sth December 1901 (Confidental).
From— Lieutenant-Colonel C. A. Kemball, I.S.C., 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. ,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department.
I have the honour to invite a reference to the letter No. 1964-E A., dated
the 16th November 1901, from the Under-Secretary to the Government of
India in the Foreign Department, regarding certain piracies which occurred
during 1900 on the Arabian Coast of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .