"الكويت" [و‎‎٥] (١٢/٩)

1900.
9
Political,
2495/1900.
2487/191)0.
2517/1900.
1213/1900.
2528/1900.
• Dated
14th Nov.
1900.
To Viceroy,
dated loth
Nov, 1900,
Political.
(2529 1900.)
2618/1900.
2543/1900.
mendation on the ground that the situation had improved, and that the Emir
had promised to remain quiet pending settlement of his claims by an
Imperial Commissioner, On the 9th November, therefore, the India Office
recommended to the Foreign Office that no further action should be taken
for the present; but, a less reassuring account of the state of affairs having
been received from the Admiralty on the following clay (10th November)
the India Office again addressed the Eoreign Office (14th November)
suggesting that a British Agent should be sent in a ship of war to ascertain the
true state of affairs and to endeavour to warn the Emir of Nejd that no attack
on Koweit would be allowed. It was further suggested that should it prove
impossible to resist a land attack with the force available at the moment,
the Sheikh should be offered a refuge and steps taken as soon as possible to
repulse the invaders. Further news was received on the same day that an
attack on Koweit by the Emir of Nejd was considered improbable, but
possible ; and that the Turks were reinforcing their garrison at Basrah. The
Foreign Office* agreed to the despatch of a gunboat, but added that no
active measures should be taken without further reference to Her Majesty's
Government. The Government of India were then instructed accordingly,
and it was suggested that Colonel Kemball should again proceed to Koweit,
On the 15th November a telegram (dated 14th November) from Consul
Shipley was forwarded by Mr. de Bunsen reporting that Mubarak's forces
had joined those of Sadun Pasha, and that the Turks were sending a force
to intervene and compel the combatants to return home.
On the 16th November, the Admiral reported that he had taken steps to 2538/1900,
strengthen the naval force available in the neighbourhood of Koweit,
On the same day (in a telegram received from Constantinople, 17th),
Consul Shipley reported that the crisis was over, both forces being on their
way home; and that Mubarak was to meet the A r ali about 30 miles from
Busrah on the following day, this being regarded as his promised visit.
On the 19th November, Consul Shipley reported that Mubarak had
returned to Busrah with the Vali, and that they had both been engaged for
several hours communicating with Constantinople by telegraph. A report
subsequently received (dated 13th November) showed that Mubarak was
continuing his endeavours to ingratiate himself with the Porte, and was
meetin"; with some success.
On the same day (19th November), the Viceroy reported that he had 1256 1900.
instructed Colonel Kemball to go to Koweit and, if still necessary, to convey
a warning to the Emir of Nejd,
On the 26th November, the Viceroy further reported that Colonel Kemball
deprecated a visit to Koweit at present on the ground that it would probably
encourage Mubarak to take further action against the Emir, who had real
grievances against him. The Viceroy concurred ; and, the same view being
taken by Her Majesty's Government, instructions were sent that the visit
should be postponed for the present.
In this connection it should be mentioned that on the 13th October last (2595/1900.)
the French Consul at Bagdad, M. llouet, proceeded to Koweit in the French
Government vessel 4t Drome," returning via Fao. The visit appears to .have
been arranged suddenly after an interview with the Vali, but the object of
it has not as yet transpired.
Here the matter stands at the present moment. The position of the Turks
has been much improved in Koweit since Mohsin Pasha's appointment as
Yali, and it is clear that it was Turkish influence which averted the recent
crisis. Moreover, by his recent visit to Busrah, Mubarak has to some extent
recognised Turkish suzerainty, and is further stated (Consul Wratislaw's
No. 44, dated 22nd November 1900) to have given the Sultan an assurance
of his fidelity, and to have promised to cease " coquetting with foreign
Powers.''
To Viceroy,
dated 8th
Dec. 1900.
S, 36,