Turkish Expedition to Nejd [‎470v] (34/94)

Ownership of the Steamer “ Snipe.”
No. 3345, dated Bombay Castle, 22nd July 1871.
j> om yy. Wedderburn, Esq., Acting* Secretary to the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. ,
To—Commissioner of Customs, Bombay.
With reference to the Government Resolution in this Department, No.
8273, dated the 19th instant, I am directed to request that you will make care
ful enquiries and report without delay who are the owners of the Steamer
Snipe, and whether the vessel is British registered.
2. This information is urgently required by the Government of India.
No. 697-174, dated Bushire, 3rd July 1871.
p r0 m Lieut.-Col. Lewis Belly, C.S.I., H. B. M.’s 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. , Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
To—Secretary to the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. .
I have the honor to enclose copies of two telegrams which I forwarded to
you on the 1st instant, concerning the Steamer Snipe, reported to he conveying
Turkish troops to Kateef.
2. During the night of same day I received your telegram, instructing me
to “ detain the Snipe until further orders.”
3. I heg to enclose copies of letters which I addressed to the Commander
of Her Majesty’s Ship Bullfinch, and to the Commander of the Snipe, in view
to carrying your instructions into effect.
4. The Commander of the Snipe admitted to me in conversation that he
had about twenty Turkish troops and some stores for Kateef. He had no ship’s
manifest; appended is a copy of his only memorandum of stores shipped.
5. The Commander stated that the present is his second trip from Busreh
to Kateef and that on the first occasion he shipped stores and troops with the
knowledge and under the sanction of the British Vice-Consul at Busreh.
6. I telegraphed to the Vice-Consul to ascertain if this statement were
correct and he replied as follows:—
“ Snipe has no sanction to convey Turkish troops to Kateef. Master stated
to me that his cargo would consist of provisions only. Agent asserts that there
are no troops on board.”
7. This morning (3rd) I have received a telegram from the Private Secre
tary to His Excellency, stating that Snipe may proceed; her Master to be warned
that he may be liable to hostile seizure. This instruction has been carried into
effect.
Telegram, dated 1st July 1871.
From— Colonel Pelly, Busbire,
To—Political Secretary, Bombay.
Depeche Recommandee .—Commander Bullfinch, in Bushire Hoads, reports
British Ship Snipe arrived with Turkish troops for Kateef, and presumes she
will not he allowed to proceed. I solicit early instructions.
Telegram, dated 1st July 1871.
From— Colonel Pelly, Bushire,
To—Political Secretary, Bombay.
Recommandee. —Commander Snipe admits having some twenty Turkish
troops on board for Kateef. He is anxious to proceed this afternoon. Please
instruct me if I am to detain him, as per my telegram of this morning.
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