"دليل الخليج. مجلد I. القسم التاريخي. الأجزاء Iأ و Iب. ج.ج. لوريمر ١٩١٥" [‎٨‎٢‎٩] (١٧٨٢/٩٨٤)

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his brother at D5hah^ declared his readiness to enter into the same relations Shaikhs,
with the British Government as were maintained by the Shaikhs of ^
Trucial ^Oman; and in November 1899, at a meeting with Colonel
Meade, the Political Resident, at AYakrah, Shaikh Ahmad expressed
a desire to form a closer connection with the British power and asked for
permission to occupy 'Odaid ; but no action was taken on his requests
as he failed to confirm them in writing.
After the posting of Mr. Gaskin to Bahrain as Assistant Political 1900-02.
Agent at the beginning of 1900, Shaikh Ahmad made indirect overtures
to him for an understanding with the British Government; his proposals
resembled the suggestions that he had made to Colonel Meade in 1899,
and he continued to repeat them at intervals. At length, in the spring
of 1902, a definite message was received by Mr. Gaskin from Shaikh
Ahmad, who offered, on condition of British protection being extended to
himself and his followers, to take up his residence at any point on the
coast which might be appointed,* to hold himself responsible for the
security of the adjoining waters, and to co-operate with the British
Government and the Shaikh of Bahrain in such matters as might concern
them on the mainland. The principal motives of the Shaikh's offer were
undoubtedly fear of the Turks and a desire to strengthen his own position
in the eyes of the people of Qatar ; but, as the arrangement proposed
might have satisfactory results, the offer was reported by the Gov
ernment of India to His Majesty^s Government. An investigation of
Shaikh Ahmad's position was authorised, but it was directed that no obliga
tions should be undertaken without further reference to the Secretary of
State or without full consideration of the political and military aspects of
the case. After enquiry it was reported that Ahmad was already virtual
chief of Qatar ; that his brother Jasim, though still treated by the Turks
as Qaim-Maqam of Qatar,—a title which he repudiated,—had retired in
his favour; and that Ahmad was more likely to succeed his brother at his
death than any of Jasim's sons. Subsequent experience, as we have
seen, showed this report to be partially erroneous, inasmuch as Jasim's
retirement from the chief power was, up to 1905, only ostensible; and the
violent death of Ahmad in 1905 falsified the expectations current in 1902
regarding the succession to the chiefship.
* This is what was reported at the time ; but it was afterwards stated that the instruc
tions of Shaikh Ahraad's agent, one 'Abdur Rahmftn, Wazz&n, were to apply for leave
to colonise 'Odaid, In reply to a query by Mr. Gaskin, however, the agent said that
he thought Shaikh Ahmad would be equally well satisfied with a settlement at
Zubsrah or at some other place.