File 1855/1904 Pt 7 'Koweit Flag.' [‎241r] (145/154)

No. 386, dated Busliire, tli e 13th November 1904.
From— Captain A. P. Trevor, I.A., /or 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—L. W. Dane, Esq., C.S.I., Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign De
partment.
Witli reference to correspondence ending with my telegram of yesterday,
I hay© the honour to forward, for the information of the Government of India,
, TW _ ion, a copy of translation of a letter* from
Sheikh Mubarek which I have received
from the 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. , Koweit, regarding the ill-treatment which certain
Koweit Nakhodas have received at the hands of Belgian officials of the Persian
Customs Administration.
2. The Nakhoda of the dhow A term adopted by British officials to refer to local sailing vessels in the western Indian Ocean. to which the Sheikh refers is still in custody
together with a companion, and the dhow A term adopted by British officials to refer to local sailing vessels in the western Indian Ocean. is still detained.
In answer to all queries the Director-General of Customs replies that the
entire case was referred to his Central Administration at Tehran, and that he
can take no action without orders from the Ministry which have not yet been
received.
Translation of extract from letter, dated 19th October 1904, from Mubareic us Subah, Ruler of
Koweit, to Captain S. G. Knox, 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. , Koweit.
1. And as for the Belgians who seized the boats of our subjects in one of
which was 10 rifles and in the other 24 rifles.
2. As for the 10 rifles, they belonged to one of the people of Bussorah and
the Nakhoda was not aware of what had been added and wrapped up by the
owner.
3. And the 24 rifles were in two boxes belonging to one of the people
of Zubair ; the barrels were in one box and the butts in another and equally
the Nakhoda of the boom knew nothing about it except that there were two
boxes containing goods.
4. And the boat of the Belgians seized them and fined the boom in which
there were 10 rifles, 0,000 krans and released it. And the Belgians took the
other boom to Bushire and imprisoned the Nakhoda and demanded from him
krans 12,000.
5. Now the crew of the boom are my subjects and are under the protec
tion of the Government. It is, therefore, necessary that the Belgians should
hand over the boats either to the Consul of the British Government at Moham-
merah or to the Resident in Bushire, and the punishment they deserve should
be at your hands, for we also are prohibiting all our ships from the carrying
of arms and restraining them ; but, in a case like this, it will be hard on them,
for they do not know what the consignor loads and we remain watching events
as they pass over us unjustly and have explained the state of affairs to you.
Then let not what we have mentioned to you pass into (neglect—forgetfulness).
These are matters injurious and may you remain safe.
G. C. Press, Simla.—No. S-949 P. D,—23-11-04.—CO—J. D.
C949PD
1