'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Part I Historical and Political Materials, Précis of Bahrein [Bahrain] Affairs, 1854-1904' [‎77] (96/204)

77
CHAPTER XXIX
Question of Extradition of absconding criminals and debtor? between
Hasaand Bahrein.
1879—1891.
r- 7 1 The island of Bahrein being separated by onlv a narrow channel from
the Arabian Coast of Hasa and Katif, criminals and insolvent debtors find
abundant facilities for fleeing the hand of justice and absconding across the
waters. And having regard to the hostile attitude of the Turkish officials against
the Chief of Bahrein, difficulties would naturally be raised by them to extradition
of such persons absconding from Bahrein to the Arabian Coast. On the other
hand the Chief of Bahrein, finding so little inclination on the part of the lurks
for mutual reciprocity, could not be expected to cheerfully accede to their demands
for extradition offenders absconding from, the Turkish temtory to Bahrein
couched as these demands were often in supercilious style. We shall quote here
a few instances which have come to the notice of Government.
272 Colonel Ross submitted, with his letter No. 335, dated 30thSeptem-
' ' ber 1879, for information, correspondence
Pol. A.November 1879, Nos. 582.588. g^eikh Esau bin Ali, and between that
Chief and the Turkish officials of Hasa and Katif From this correspondence it
appears that the Turkish authorities asked Sheikh Esau bin Ah, Chief of
Bahrein to surrender one Abdullah Sadeyr, accused of murder Acting under
advice previcvisly given by Colonel Ross, the Chief surrendered this man,
and then wrote informing Colonel Ross that he had done so, and asking advice
as to the steps he should take with regard to debtors who abscond from
Bahrein to Turkish territory.
27-} In reply to this reference, the Resident referred him to his letter of
16th April for his views on the general subject of extradition, and infoimed the
Chief that he might properly apply to the Turkish authorities, stating particulars
If the Chief should send him a list of such claims, he (Resident) would ascertain
the sentiments of the Turkish authorities.
274. In the letter referred to, dated 16th April 1879, the Resident writes to
the Chief:—
" I am of opinion that, as a general rule, in view to friendly relations with the Turkish
Government present and future, and to reciprocal good offices, you should conform to
usages of other States in such matters, and should not give asylum in Bahrein to persons
guilty of crimes in Turkish territory, or who have absconded in a fraudulent way with
money or goods."
275. In his letter No. 153, dated 26th April 1879, in which the above was
enclosed, the resident writes
"The remark of His Excellency (the Governor of Busrah) to Mr. Robertson as to
status of Bahrein shows the necessity of caution in advising the Chief of Bahre n
to anv action which would seem to compromise the independence of his Government, and
I do not bedieve he would agree to surrender the F erson referred to unless d.stmctly adv.sed
by the representative of the Government of India to do so.
276. The remark of the Governor is thus recorded by Mr. Robertson :
«'He remarked, however, in a general way, that the customs of i ndependent
did not apply in dealings with the Sheikh of Bahrein, meaning no doubt that the Sheikh
was properly a feudatory of the Sultan.
277. The Government of India's orders were as follows (letter No. 2570-E.P.,
dated 15th November 1879.
I am directed to acknowledge your letter, No. 335. dated 30th September 1879 for
warding a copy of a letter to your address from Shaikh Esau-bin-Ah, Chief of Bahrein,
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