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There is, however, a constant possibility that Turkish aggression on Koweit might take a more direct form than this. Um Kasr Fort, at the head of Khor Abdullah. has been occupied by a detachment of Turkish soldiers, but it cannot be said with confidence that Um Kasr should really be regarded as within the ill-defined limits of the Sheikh's territories. There has also been a small post on Warba and Bubian Islands, which are considered as being undoubtedly Koweit territory. But if the Turks really wished to encroach on Koweit, they would probable have very little difficulty in finding a plausible pretext. The embroilments which the Sheikh occasionally has with neighbouring tribes, such as that with the Muntafik Arabs in 1910, might furnish the Türks with specious grounds for active intervention; and, with the levelling tendencies which the present régime has displayed in various parts of the Empire, it can hardly be doubted that the Turks would welcome a pretext for action it other conditions were favourable to them. In such an eventuality, we might find Turkish soldiers at Koweit itself.

2. Zakhnuniych.

This is a small sandy island about 10 miles south-east of Ujair* (the southernmost point to which His Majesty's Government regard Turkish sovereignty as extending) and close to the mainland." It has been occupied by Turkish soldiers or gendarmes in 1909 and 1910. On each occasion the Porte has been informed that the island is claimed by the Sheikh of Bahrein, by whose subjects it has been used for fishing purposes, and that the presence of the Turkish flag constitutes an infringement of the status quo.

On each occasion, in one manner or another, the island has been evacuated.

3. El Odeid, Wakra, Zobara,† and El Bidaa.

At

These places are all situated on the coast of the Katr Peninsula, and are therefore regarded by His Majesty's Government as being outside Turkish jurisdiction. El Bidaa, however, the Turks have had a smail military post since 1872, and though His Majesty's Government have tolerated its existence for many years, they have never actually acquiesced in it. To the other three places the Turkish authorities, at one time or other during the past few years, have appointed Mudirs, but the officials have seldom proceeded to their posts. In 1895, His Majesty's Government forcibly dispersed a settlement of Bahrein malcontents, who had settled at Zobara under the Turkish flag. In 1903 and 1904 there was an attempt to appoint a Mudir to Wakra. and a British warship was sent to prevent his landing. In 1910 the Vali of Bussorah appointed a Mudir to El Odeid, but, so far as is known, he has not attempted to proceed thither.

Except with regard to Koweit and El Odeid, which is in the territory of the Trucial Chiefs, Turkish aggression threatens places of little intrinsic importance. But taken cumulatively, and in connection with questions arising in neighbouring parts of the Empire, their action might have considerable importance, and His Majesty's Government might be forced to take local retaliatory measures. It is not possible to say beforehand what acts of aggression would call for such measures, as this would largely depend on the circumstances of the moment. But it is desirable now to consider what form local action in the Persian Gulf by His Majesty's Government had best take. what measures would be required of the Indian and Imperial naval and military forces, and what effect such action would be likely to have on Great Britain's position in Egypt and India and on her prestige in other Malonedan countries,

Foreign Office,

March 6, 1911.

* Ukeir in map, Ojar in Admiralty charts.

† Zabara in map, Zubara in Admiralty charts.

PRESTED AT THE FORLIGN OFFICE BY J, W, HARRISON.- 19 7:1911.

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