"دليل الخليج. مجلد I. القسم التاريخي. الأجزاء Iأ و Iب. ج.ج. لوريمر ١٩١٥" [‎١‎١‎١‎٣] (١٧٨٢/١٢٨٤)

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1113
the enterprise collapsed^ and the Wahhabi official even apologised to the
British commander for his proceedings. This successful act of interven
tion greatly increased the bitterness of Faisal against the British
Government and their representatives.
In 1861 the Shaikh of Bahrain assumed the offensive against the 1861.
W ahhabi Amir without first consulting the British Resident. He
blockaded the Wahhabi ports and sent six war vessels to cruise as^ainst
c5
Dammam • and only by most stringent measures^ amounting to compulsion,
could he be induced by his British advisers to discontinue his unwarrant
able action. It was now clear, however, that tranquillitv in Bahrain
waters could only be restored by the removal of the sons of the late
ex-Shaikh from Dammam ; and this was accordingly effected, hy
British naval action, in November 1861. The dislodgment of these
disturbers of the peace from their stronghold was reported to have
been not altogether unpleasing to the local Wahhabi officials in Qatif,
who could not themselves have done what was required without commit
ting a breach of Arab hospitality.
Incidentally we may remark that, but for the vigilance with which
the independence of Bahrain was watched over by the British Govern
ment during this period, the principality might have become attached
to Haea and afterwards have passed with that province into the posses
sion of the Turks.
In Trucial 'Oman, during the whole of this period, the Wahhabis
were extremely active. In July 1843 letters and messengers from the
Amir reached the principal Shaikhs of that region, informing them that
at the end of the hot weather the Wahhabi agent Sa'ad-bin-Mutlaq
would arrive with troops to subdue the country; and all the chiefs,
except those of Dibai and the Baraimi Oasis, appear to have professed
in reply their satisfaction at the prospect.
Early in 1845 Sa^d-bin-Mutlaq appeared in Baraimi with a small 1845.
force. He was, apparently, by no means confident of success ; but the
surrounding tribes at first displayed considerable enthusiasm for the
Wahhabi cause, and he was encouraged to form designs of occupying
Bhank and Dhaid, and even Zora upon the coast. His arrogance and ex
tortions, however, quickly alienated and disgusted most of his supporters ;
and his direct communications with Najd were then cut, his messengers
beaten and insulted, and complaints against him made to the W ahhabi
Amir. At one time it appeared probable that Sa'ad would be visited
with his master's displeasure ; but, by one means or another, he succeeded
in justifying his conduct and in retaining his post. A remittance of
Kelatiotis
with Trucial
'Oman, 1843-
65.
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