ملف رقم ٣٤٥ لسنة ١٩٠٨ الجزء الثاني "المحمرة: الوضع. نزاع الشيخ مع والي البصرة. تقليد الشيخ وساماً. تجديد التطمينات للشيخ". [و‎‎١‎٢‎٦] (٥٦٦/٢٥٦)

June 10th, PS .—Since writing the above, I have received a copy of the
Wall’s private letter to the Sheikh and enclose a translation of it. In forwarding
the letter to me Mr. Wilson states that the Sheikh attaches no importance to
the expression of regret and does not want it now.
F. E. C.
8th June igio.
My dear Crow,
Yours of 8th. I have handed over 2 halters to Lyold Scott & Company,
Limited, to be sent up to you by first opportunity. I will let you know what the
cost is later. I enclose a copy of the letter of the Wali to the Sheikh.
The Sheikh now says that he cares little for apologies as the Wali is so
impetuous that to force him to give them from Constantinople would only make
things worse. We have tried once and failed, and in his view, to try to work it
from the Porte, even if successful, would do more harm than good. But he is
most anxious that we should insist both in Basrah and in Constantinople on our
right to intervene in Mohammerah affairs being recognised fully by the Wali.
That, he says, will be the best guarantee against trouble in the future. I quite
agree with him, and shall do my best in Bushire to get the Resident to press this
point of view on His Majesty’s Government.
He tells me that the Wali has publicly announced that he will not tolerate
the interference of His Majesty’s Consul at Basrah ’ in any affairs either at
Koweit or at Mohammerah. He says that the Wali is not only impetuous but
treacherous, as his conduct in relation to Sheikh Khazal’s house, which has been
three times quite needlessly pulled down, after having been repaired. Haji Rais
says he had definite proof, when in Basrah, that the Wali knew all about it.
Regarding the seizure of Mirza Hamza’s property in Basrah by order of the
Court, of which the Wali disclaimed all knowledge to Haji Rais, it now appears
that the claim for ^300 was commenced by the Wali against Mirza Hamza in
revenge for his attitude on the house question, and that the Wali has secretly
instigated the proceedings all along.
This is our side of the question. I think the Wali is altogether instable, and
that nothing but trouble will arise as long as he remains in Basrah.
Yours sincerely,
A. T. WILSON.