File 345/1908 Pt 2 'Mohammerah: situation. Sheikh's dispute with the Vali of Basra. decoration for Sheikh. renewed assurances to Sheikh.' [‎135r] (274/566)

promise the man liberty, or to be returned to custody if bis statements led to
the arrest and punishment of the gang.
The man is probably guilty of other crimes. I said we could not promise
anything we could not perform, he said he could, in our presence, say to the
man that his safety depended on his telling the truth, and asked if such a
guarantee was not usual.
I said that in England an accomplice, not being the actual murderer, was
accepted as King’s evidence under promise of acquittal, but this case was to be
tried by the Turks; I would,-however, refer the matter to His Majesty’s Consul,
Basrah. Asked if it were not possible to ascertain the whereabouts of any
stolen property which might be identified, he said that, after the time that had
elapsed, it would be impossible to trace anything, but his information was that
European’s coats and trousers and a ring and other articles had been sold in the
Amara and Hawizeh districts. He considers that the best chance of obtaining
proof against the guilty is to guarantee Mirjan’s liberty, if he gives evidence
to prove the guilt of the rest of the gang. He believes that this is a much more
likely way of obtaining reliable evidence than any the Turks would employ.
I promised to inform His Majesty’s Consul, Basrah, of what he said and let
him know the reply before proceeding with the question of handing over the
prisoner.
(Sd) W. McDOUALL.
(Enclosure No. 17 .)
Statement of information regarding the Marghil murders given to
Mr. McDouall by an Arab whose name cannot be given.
One of the robbers, son of Shinawa was killed and another wounded in
the attack on Marghil. In the morning the traces of blood were visible from
Lvnch’s house to the Kut Nassuri, and some small articles from the house were
seen This was seen by the police and steps to conceal it taken. Alter tne
robberv, the gang went to Nassuri’s house taking with them the dead and the
wounded mam Thence they went to the house of one Adhar, at Garmat Ah,
where some of the spoil was left but has probably been removed since.
Adhar himself is not a bad character.
Thence some went to Hawizeh, joining Haji Sabhan, the others dispersed.
Emir men of them are certainly with Haji Sabhan, mz., the two sms of Smaifi,
their daveHadel’an’d another, and possibly others. Mr. Glanv He’s gun was
offered for sale at Hawizeh. The Turks have four of the culprits in gaol, the
others are innocent. They released two of the guilty, one named Kasim-bin-
Muhammad who paid money and was replaced by another man of the same name
AnotW man ^released because he made statements * ^ ““J
men. The outrage was instigated by Saiyid Hashim ^qibzada
the Wali and his^influence is now being used to prevent the punishment ot
culprits. ’ The culprits have also warned various innucntial persons e.^
TTsrnyn that if arrested thev will accuse them or their dependents oi oemg
SicaWd TL Sro Kkilaif was for this reason smuggled away by the
Mukhtar Abdulla.
(Enclosure No. 18 ).
Mr. Consul Crow to Mr. Consul
Basrah ;
No. 39 , May 22 nd, 1906 .
McDouall.
Sir,
lx