"ملخص عن الخليج العربي. (الجزءان I و II)" [و‎‎١‎٤] (١٢٠/٢٧)

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Inrge landed property at Basrah, and especially at Fao, which belongs to them.
That is the reason why the Shaikhs accept their investiture sanctioned by the
Sultan, who grants them the rank of Kaimakam, with the title of Pasha, of
which the Shaikh does not deign to make use".
A subsequent memorandum, by Captain Whyte, formerly His Majesty's
Consul at Basrah, directly traverses this
Secret E., Marcli 1897, Nos. 101-115 (Pro. No 107). . J
view:—
" Mr. Stavrides describes Kuwait as being entirely independent, but it
seems to me that the acceptance by the Shaikh of an appointment from the
Sultan as Kaimakam precludes the possibility of any foreign Power recognising
under the present conditions his independence."
In view of these conflicting statements, Sir P. Currie, British Ambas
sador at Constantinople, enquired in July 1897, what was the view of Her
Majesty's Government in regard to Turkish authority.
The answer was as follows :—
" Her Majesty's Government have never admitted that Kuwait is under
the protection of the Turkish Govern-
Sccret E., November 1897i Nos. 83-141, \ t> i. • ^4. i ^
merit. But since it is practically under
Turkish influence, it is doubtful whether we could deny the latter."
The Government of India were at the time inclined to recognise Turkish
authority in order to exact satisfaction from the Ottoman Government for the
alleged connection of Kuwait with a piratical attempt on the Indian vessel
" Haripasa" during the previous year. This was, however, decided to be
inexpedient, and a proposal for the appointment of a commission containing
British, Turkish and Persian members was dropped.
9. By the autumn of 1897, the question of Kuwait had assumed more
serious politicnl importance. Shaikh Mubarak, despairing of obtaining from
Turkey a recognition of his independence, had preferred a definite request
for British protection on the same terms as the Bahrain and Trucial Chiefs,
alleging that Turkey intended to absorb Kuwait.
The Secretary of State replied " Her Majesty's Government are not dis
posed to interfere more than necessarv
Ibid.. Pro. No. 121. * • x e l if
for maintenance or general peace ot
Persian Gulf, or to bring Kuwait under protection."
But this declaration was afterwards modified.
10. The Resident at Bushire was of opinion that Kuwait was, in itself,
desirable as a harbour; that its importance in relation to a possible railway
from Port Said was considerable; while the extension of the pax Britannica
to Kuwait, as to Bahrain and the Trucial Chiefs of the southern shore, would
further the ends of civilisation by checking the growth of piracy and the slave
trade. The Shaikh, though he had procured his title by a double murder,
appeared to British officers in other respects a popular and enlightened ruler.
It was urged (1) that the responsibility of protection would be amply repaid;
(2) that the Shaikh's position was precarious. If our help were refused, he
would make terms with Turkey or seek protection elsewhere, in either case
changing the status quo to our disadvantage.
Sir N. O'Conor was consulted, but before his reply was received, on the
v 21th December 1898, the Secretary of
Secret E.) March 1899. No.. 581-691. il)fol . mcd tlle GoTernment of
India to the effect that if they were of opinion that the Protectorate could
be undertaken without difficulty, or any inconvenient extension of the duty
of police already exercised in the Persian Gulf, the Foreign Office would approve
of such a step* and would be prepared to acquiesce in the establishment of
such Protectorate, which w r ould be supported diplomatically in case the Porte
should raise counter-claims.
Sir N. O'Conor's observations were shortly afterwards received. While
supporting generally the idea of a British Protectorate, he pointed out that
caution was necessary. A Minute existed recording a conversation, in 1889,
between Sir A. Sandison, Oriental Secretary to Her Majesty 's Embassy, Con
stantinople, and the Grand Vizier, which implied a recognition of Turkish
sovereignty as far as El Katif, and His Excellency was of opinion that any
forma ^assertion of British Protectorate would produce very serious diplomatic