'Administration Reports 1920-1924' [‎84v] (173/412)

62
ADMINISTRATION REPORT OF THE
CHAPTER X.
Administration Report cf the Political Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. , Bahrain, for the year 1921.
1. Personnel.
Charge of the Political Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. was held by the Indian Assistant Khan
Sahib Syed Siddiq Hassan until January 20tli, when charge was taken over by
Major C. K. Daly, the present incumbent.
The Indian Assistant proceeded on leave in May, and has since been
transferred, the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. being in charge of the duties in addition to his
own.
2. The Ruler of Bahrain and Al Khalifbh family.
In the latter part of 1920 relations with Shaik Sir Easa Bin Ali had
become extremely difficult and although they have, to some extent, since
improved, are still unsatisfactory for the following reasons.
Apart from feebleness due to his advanced age, Shaik Sir Easa Bin Ali is a
weak character entirely dominated by his wife, the mother of his youngest son,
Shaik Abdulla. It is this lady's ambition that her son should succeed to the
Rulership instead of the recognised heir, Shaik Hamad-bin-Easa, C.S.I., who is
the eldest son, but by another wife.
Shaik Abdulla since his return from England in 1919 had made himself
virtually ruler of Bahrain; a position which he abused to an incredible extent.
Oppression of Bahrain subjects which had been steadily on the increase,
reached its height early in the year, under bis regime.
Political murders were becoming common, while his administration was
so corrupt that there was no security for persons or property. Outrages against
respectable women by Shaik Abdulla and other members of Al Khalifeh
family were becoming of very frequent occurrence. Indignation at this state of
affairs was so great that disturbances appeared imminent, and it became obvious
that if they were to be avoided, the removal of Shaik Abdulla from the manage
ment of affairs was necessary. Shaik Abdulla was sufficiently astute to realise
that his position was untenable, and consented to retire from public affairs,
rather than risk disturbances which would inevitably lead to his downfall.
With Shaik Sir Easa bin Ali's consent, Shaik Hamad took the manage
ment of public business on his behalf. Eor a short time oppression decreased
and there was a general improvement. It soon became evident that Shaik
Abdulla and his mother had no intention of accepting a position in which the
former was subordinate to his elder brother, and was losing his tyrannical hold
over the inhabitants. They have therefore employed every means in their
power, including intrigues, bribery, intimidation and propaganda to undermine
Shaik Hamad's authority, and to stir up opposition and enmity towards the
Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. , believing that without the moral support of the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. ,
Shaik Hamad would be unable to retain his position. The latter although very
desirous of effecting some highly necessary reforms, and establishing elementary
justice, has found himself hindered at every step by his aged father, Shaik Easa
whose opposition has been aroused and deliberately cultivated by Shaik Abdulla
for his own ends.
With the position as it is, the death of Shaik Easa would give rise to a
severe struggle for supremacy and during his lifetime little amelioration of the
situation can be expected unless some means can be devised of curbing Shaik
Abdulia's ambitions and activities.
The situation has been reported in detail and is under the consideration of
Government.