‘Persia – especially Seistan’ [‎249r] (496/949)

2504 F. D.
Extract from a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel C. A. Kemball, C.I.E., 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. ,
dated the 29th August 1903.
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TVith regard to the political aspect of the ease. I fear I must ask you to let me
have time to think over this matter. So far as I can say at present, I do not think
that, so far as the Trucial Chiefs ***** are concerned, any fresh arrangements
in the way of new forms of engagement will be desired.
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Extract from a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel C. A. Kemhall, C.I.E., Political Resideiit in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
dated Bushire, the 2nd October 1903.
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Now as to the political aspect of the Darbar A public or private audience held by a high-ranking British colonial representative (e.g. Viceroy, Governor-General, or member of the British royal family). . So far as the Trucial Chiefs are concerned,
I do not think it is necessary or desirable to enter into any new form of engagement.
Our influence with these Chiefs is already predominant, the maritime peace is ensured, intrigues
with Foreign Powers provided against, and the trade practically in our hands and, so far as
I can foresee, likely to remain so. From our point of view I think we may be fairly content
the status quo; whether it would be advisable looking to the future to modify or
expand this status quo is not very easy to say.
Our time-honoured policy has been, as you know, to maintain the maritime peace and
not to interfere in the internal quarrels of the Chiefs. As a matter of fact, the result of our
policy has been to prevent aggression by one Chief on another. But this may not always
be the case; some of the Chiefs are growing powerful, and others are perhaps getting
weaker, and a spirit of aggression may arise. The Chief of Debaye, for instance, might
wish to try conclusions with his neighbour at Shargah. Probably the Kesident would get
sufficient warning of the likelihood of hostilities to enable him to stop the fighting, though
this would be contrary to our traditional policy. It really would not matter very much
from our point of view, so far as I can see, whether the stronger and wiser ruler at Debaye
laid his hands on Shargah or not, but of course a period of unrest would follow, and our
trade interests might suffer. It might therefore be advisable to let the Chiefs know that
aggression by one independent Chief on another independent Chief would not be viewed with
approval by us. Such a warning will, I think, be quite sufficient, and though perhaps not
immediately necessary, it might be a useful safeguard for the future peace of the coast. No
special engagementto this end would be required. The Viceroy at the Darbar A public or private audience held by a high-ranking British colonial representative (e.g. Viceroy, Governor-General, or member of the British royal family). might I ven
ture to suggest, after alluding to the benefits which have resulted to the Chiefs and their
country from the peace which has been consequent on their engagements with the British
Government, inform them that the Government intends to maintain its interest in them for
their own benefit and for the continuance of their independence. His Excellency is pleased
to learn that the engagements have, as a rule, been faithfully observed, and he is confident
that the same faithful observance will be maintained in the future. The British Government
has no desire to interfere in their internal affairs so far as the Chiefs govern their territories
with justice and respect the rights of the foreign traders residing therein. All that the
British Government desires is that the status quo should be maintained, and any aggression
by one State on another, even although the operations may be confined to land, will not be
viewed with approval by the British Government. In any rase of dispute between the Chiefs
the British Kesident is always ready to listen to complaints and to arrange an amicable
settlement satisfactory to both parties.
Such is a brief outline of what in my opinion might be said at the Darbar A public or private audience held by a high-ranking British colonial representative (e.g. Viceroy, Governor-General, or member of the British royal family). if the expan
sion of the status quo to this extent is approved,
"Whether the Chiefs themselves will desire anything more 1 cannot say. I do not think
so, hut I intend to visit the coast shortly, and will be able to let you know if such is the case.
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