File 1855/1904 Pt 6 'Koweit:- Status of Koweitis in Persia.' [‎316r] (141/154)

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No. 397, dated Bushire, the 20th November 1904.
From—The 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.
In confirmation of my telegram of the 14th November 1904,1 have the
honour to state, for the information of the Government of India, that the
Director-General of Customs has informed me that the Koweit dhow A term adopted by British officials to refer to local sailing vessels in the western Indian Ocean. belons?-
ing to Abdul Aziz bin Farah of Koweit, which has been detained here, will
now be confiscated. Instructions have been issued by the Central Cus’toms
Administration that the Nakhoda of the dhow A term adopted by British officials to refer to local sailing vessels in the western Indian Ocean. will he imprisoned until the
fine of 18,000 krans is paid, or until further orders.
2 . I submit that this is an exceedingly high-handed proceeding as there
was absolutely no evidence brought forward at the investigation at Moham-
merah {vide Mr. Consul McDouall’s report sent with my letter No. 341, dated
1 st October 1904) to show that the rifles were intended for Persia.
3. Monsieur 'Waffelaert also declares that “ all articles on board ” will
also be confiscated under Article IV of the Act of the 5th Eamzan 1317. I
have pointed out that only articles used to conceal the contraband goods should
be confiscated, but Monsieur Waffelaert does not agree, and the question has
been referred to Tehran. There were on board the dhow A term adopted by British officials to refer to local sailing vessels in the western Indian Ocean. 4 bales of canvas
belonging to one Haji Mukhbil of Bahrein consigned by him to Suleiman bin
Mahmud-el Thakeir of Busreh, and it was in connection with a request made j
by me that Eaji Mukhbil’s canvas should be returned, that the question of
Article IV of the Act of 5th Bamzan came up.
G. I. C. P. O. No. 2523 F. D.-5-12.1904-54-W. D’C.