Asiatic Quarterly Review (Full Title: The Imperial and Asiatic Quarterly Review, and Oriental and Colonial Record): Volume XIII, No. 26 [‎444v] (13/238)

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The Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
Turkey on the western, have contributed in a material
manner to this result. The Persian navy consists of a single
obsolete vessel, nor is that of the Turks much more con
spicuous in a sea so far removed from the heart of the
Ottoman Empire. From time to time it suits Turkish
policy to intervene in the local intrigues; and ever since I
have known these countries there have been attempts on
the part of the Turks to erect forts at Fao commanding the
embouchure of the Shat-el-Arab—the name under which
the united streams of the Euphrates and Tigris issue into
the Gulf. Their action in this matter is contrary to the
provisions of their treaty with Persia, and constitutes a grave
menace to our mercantile marine. To make a long story
short, our diplomacy in Constantinople has for many years
been occupied with questions of more or less importance in
connection with our peaceful mission in the Gulf. And the
interests of the local potentates, whose rule it is necessary to
render stable, are watched over by a British official residing
at Bushire, and appointed by the Government of India.
A very different aspect is thrown upon these petty politics
when considered in conjunction with the renewal by the
Germans of negotiations for their railway to the Gulf, and
with the feverish activity that is being displayed on the part
of the Russians to render themselves supreme over Persia.
Speaking with knowledge of the subject, I do not hesitate
to say that Persia is rapidly being reduced to the position
of a vassal state of Russia. If Germany may be said to
pull one or two strings of the Turkish policy, as regards
Persia the next year or two will probably decide whether
the entire control of her foreign relations will not be exer
cised from the banks of the Neva. In the case of both
these Mussulman states, so long our next door neighbours
in India, momentous changes are taking place. We all
know that something is going on behind the shutters ; but
like simple householders we are misled by long familiarity
with the outside, in which nothing or very little has been
changed. Seme fine day we shall wake up to find the