'File XXIX/2 Slavery in Kuwait' [‎7r] (13/296)

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and disposing of such cases without consulting him, as would appear to have
been the course followed in this instance.
The Abyssinian in question does not complain of ill-treatment and appears to
have been dishonest, and to have no serious fear of coming to harm, or he would
not for his own convenience elect to remain several months in Koweit.
In such circumstances I think the case will be met by the slave receiving a
manumission paper on arrival here and on his undertaking not to return to
Koweit.
I notice that one previous case is on record which was disposed of by
Captain Trevor in my absence {vide this office letter No. 1816, dated 3rd Decem
ber 1905), and in which a manumission certificate was sent for the wife of one of
your Consular servants ; but that case was hardly on all fours with this and the
general question is one in regard to which you should proceed with considerable
caution and in consultation with the Sheikh, who, it must be remembered, has at
present no Slave Trade Treaty with us.
Copy of a letter No. 374, dated 14th July iQOf, 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, to 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. , Bushire.
A
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 1390, dated
26th June 1907, in the case of the negro Abdulla.
2. This case has now settled itself, for the negro has, of his own free will,
returned to his master who seems to be a humane man and will, I have small
doubt, treat him well.
3. I have been somewhat reluctant to refer slave cases to Sheikh Mubarek
ever since my Chuprassi, who was waiting outside, informed me that in one case
w r here I personally took a slave, who had been freed by the Basra Turkish
authorities and then again kidnapped and brought to Koweit, before Sheikh
Mubarek, the Sheikh’s servants spent the time occupied by the interview in
speculating whether the slave would be put to death or merely flogged and
imprisoned. In no case that I have referred to the Sheikh have I ever seen the
slave a second time or been able to discover what has become of him.
4. In these circumstances, it would perhaps be as well to refer all refugee
slaves direct to the Sheikh and leave them free to follow the advice given at their
discretion. I would solicit the favour of instructions as to whether this course of
action commends itself to you.
Copy of a letter No. iq6o, dated the 8th September 1 goft from the Political
Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire, to 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.
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter No. 374, dated 14th
July 1907, and note that the negro Abdulla no longer desires a manumission
certificate.
2. Seeing that the position was that stated in paragraph 3 of your letter the
details should have been reported at the time and would have been referred to
Government. As it is there is no material on which I could ask Government to
base instructions. Meanwhile the course which commends itself to me is that
until our relations with the Sheikh are on a more definite footing you should
discourage negroes from taking bast with you as far as practicable ; but that
when they do you should warn the Sheikh of the fact, ask him to enquire into the
case and admit the presence of yourself or your representative at the joint
hearing, and if the case is obviously one of real slavery and cruelty ask him to
acquiesce in the issue of manumission certificate.
If he does not prove amenable to your influence and explanations in the
matter, then you should report the case in detail and I will refer it for the orders
of the Government.
G. C. B. P., Simla.—No. €.-516 F. D.—7-11-07.-14 J. D.
IWIHLiUL