'A Collection of Treaties and Engagements relating to the Persian Gulf Shaikhdoms and the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman in force up to the End of 1953' [‎5v] (10/92)

my authority I of my own free will and accord, will seize the said slaves and
deLer them over to the British vessels of war. Further should it be ascer a lned
that slaves have been carried in any of my vessels or m the v^ my
subiects, or dependents, and it should happen that the Government cruizers did
not fall in with the said vessels then, no matter where the slaves have been landed,
do I hereby bind myself to place an embargo upon the delinquent boat and her
Nakhoda until such time as instructions have been received from the Resident
at Bushire regarding them.
Dated this 15th day of Ramzan, A. H. 1272 {or 10th day of May 1856 A.D.)
Sheikh Mahomed bin Khaleefa.
No. 4
Friendly Convention Relating to Aggression by Sea, Trade and Jurisdiction
Over British Subjects, Dated May 31, 1861
Preliminary.—Considering the tribe disorders which arise and are perpetu
ated from maritime aggressions in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , I, Sheikh Mahomed bin
Khuleefa, independent ruler of Bahrein, on my own part and on that of my heirs
and successors, in the presence of the Chiefs and elders who are witnesses to this
document, do subscribe and agree to a perpetual Treaty of peace and friendship
with the British Government, having for its object the advancement of trade and
the security of all classes of people navigating or residing upon the coasts of this
sea: —
Article 1.
I recognize as valid and in force all former Treaties and Conventions agreed
to between the Chiefs of Bahrein and the British Government, either direct or
through the mediation of its representatives in this Gulf.
Article 2.
1 agree to abstain from all maritime aggressions of every description, from
the prosecution of war, piracy, and slavery by sea, so long as I receive the support
of the British Government in the maintenance of the security of my own possessions
against similar aggressions directed against them by the Chiefs and tribes of
this Gulf.
Article 3.
In order that the above engagements may be fulfilled I agree to make known
all aggressions and depredations which may be designed, or have place at sea,
against myself, territories, or subject, as early as possible, to the British Resident
in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , as the arbitrator in such cases, promising that no act of
aggression or retaliation shall be committed at sea by Bahreins or in the name
of Bahrein, by myself or others under me, on other tribe, without his consent or
that of the British Government, if it should be necessary to procure it. And the
British Resident engages that he will forthwith take the necessary steps for obtaining
reparation for every injury proved to have been inflicted, or in course of infliction
by sea upon Bahrein or upon its dependencies in this Gulf. In like manner, I.
Sheikh Mahomed bin Khuleefa, will afford full redress for all maritime offences^
which in justice can be charged against my subjects or myself as the ruler
of Bahrein.
Article 4.
British subjects of every denomination, it is understood, may reside in and
carry on their lawful trade in the territories of Bahrein, their goods being subject
only to an ad valorem duty of 5 per cent, in cash or in kind. This amount once
paid shall not be demanded again on the same goods if exported from Bahrein to
other places: and in respect to the treatment of British subiects and deoendants
they shall receive the treatment and consideration of the subjects and deoendants
of the most favoured people. All offences which thev mav commit or which mav