"تقرير إداري عن المقيمية السياسية في الخليج العربي والوكالة السياسية في مسقط عن الفترة ١٩٠٠-١٩٠١" [و‎‎٦] (١٤٤/١٩)

RESIDENCY AND MASKAT POLITICAL AGENCY FOR THE YEAR 1000-!001
. - V . f? rious incident occurred on the 3rd December, wlien Shaikh Salman-
om-Diaij, a cougin of the Chief of Bahrein, and a person of influence in Bah
rein, with his son and nephew and 23 followers, were attacked and murdered by
Bedouins belonging to the Behah section of the Almurrah tribe. The murder
took place on the main land, where the murdered Shaikh with his followers
had gone, in accordance with his usual custom at this time of year, on a huntino-
expedition. The incident was a cause of great concern 'to the Chief of
Bahrein,
It is too early yet to write the history of the struggle which has been in 5. Koweit and
progress during the past few months between Shaikh Mubarak and the Amir Nejd -
of Nejd, and which has thrown this part of Arabia into turmoil. At one
time it seemed not improbable that fortune would favour Shaikh Mubarak,
and that he would succeed in reinstating in Nejd Abdul Rah mac -bin-Fey sal, of
the Saud dynesty, the former rulers of the country. Up till the middle of
March no fighting of any importance had taken place, though it was known
that Shaikh Mubarak had made his way far into the interior. Towards the
end of March, however, reports reached Bushire that Shaikh Mubarak had
experienced a decisive defeat. Details are not yet forthcoming.
I visited Koweit on two occasions during the year, and I had an interview
with Shaikh Mubarak on the first occasion. At the time of my second visit
he was absent from Koweit. H.M.S. Sphinx has also visited the place.
From reports which have reached the Kesidency, affairs in Persian 8. Persian
Arabistan appear to have been quiet during the year. His Boyal Highness the Arabistazi *
Ain-ud-Dowleh, who was Governor-General, proceeded to Tehran about the
end of December to spend " Bamazan " there. He has since been appointed
Governor of Tehran, and is succeeded by His Royal Highness Salar -ed-Dowleh
as Governor-General of Arabistan, Luristan, eto.
Towards the end of May, the Bakhtyaris were building the Dupalan
bridge on the Ispahan road, and three Ispahan Kafilas had arrived at Ahwaz
with almonds and dried fruits for sale, and purchased goods for the return
journey. More caravans were said to be on the way, and a number of pil "Tims
for Meshed travelled by the new route early in June.
His Royal Highness the Moayid-ud-Dowleh was Governor-General of Fars 7. fpt-s and
during the year. The Kowam-ul-Mulk appears to have maintained fairly ""ood Persian Coast,
order among the Nomad tribes.
Nothing of particular interest occurred at Lingah during the year.
At Bandar Abbas, Lieutenant Hunt remained as British Vice-Consul
daring the year. Trade at this port has greatly declined during the year, the
reasons given being that the new trade route from Quetta via Nushki and
Seistan has diverted a good deal of the trade which used to find its way to
Bandar Abbas, and also that Russian imports into Khorassan have increased.
Shaikh Hassan, the Zabit of Kishm, has been removed and was succeeded bv
Shaikh Abdulla.
Mr. AA hitby-Smith, Director, Persian Gulf Telegraphs, who is in nolitical s, Persian
charge of the Makran Coast, visited the Coast in November last. It had been BaluchistaD <
arranged through Major Sykes, His Britannic Majesty's Consul at Kerman, that
a Persian official should meet him at Charbar to inquire into, and, if possible,
effect a settlement of the numerous outstanding claims of British subjects.
The official left Kerman, but did not go any farther than Bampur, whence ke
returned to Kerman.
Iwelve slaves took refuge in the Bushire Residency during the year, and 9. Slave
were, after the customary correspondence with the Persian anthorities, granted Trade -
their freedom. Three of them were, at their own request, sent to Zanzibar^
and the remainder stayed in Bushire where they were able to find employment.
Three piratical outrages took place within the Gulf during the year, only 10. Piracies
one of which was of a really serious nature, a Bahrein boat which was engaged and di3 ^ ur p !3 '
in pearl-fishing off Ras Tanura, near Katif,. being attacked by robbers from anCeS a S
Darain in Turkish territory, and property of the value of Rs. 3,924 being
carried off. The case was reported t to the Turkish authorities, who arrested
some of the robbers and obtained the restoration of a portion of the stolen
property.