'Report on the Administration of the Bushire Residency including that of the Muscat Political Agency, with Reports on Trade for 1873-74.' [‎5v] (10/92)

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It was suggested to establish a Post Office also at Bahrein, but the
Postal Department did not consider this advisable.
Famine Belief Fund. —The local Committee for relief of sufferers
from the famine of 1871 have, in accordance with the desire of the
Central Committee of London, closed their proceedings and accounts.
Slave-trade. —The year 1873 is memorable in the annals of slavery
for the mission of Sir Bartle Frere to Zanzibar and Muscat. The pro
ceedings at Muscat will be found detailed in 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. 's report.
One of the measures taken by Government in connection with the
suppression of slave dealing was the issue of proclamations warning
British subjects of the penalties incurred by engaging in this traffic.
The orders of Government to give the widest publicity to these proclama
tions were carefully carried out, and wherever British subjects reside in
the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. effective steps were taken to make them aware of the
intentions of Government. Copies of the proclamations also have been
posted at the Custom Houses and in conspicuous spots at each port of
importance with permission of the local Chiefs or Governors.
The various Arab Sheikhs have acted up to their engagements
regarding the traffic during the year.
Affairs of Nejd and Turkish occupation of El Aha. —It was stated
at the close of the last Annual Report submitted from this Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. that
certain negotiations had been opened between Saood bin Feysul and
the Turkish authorities of Baghdad. In connection with this negotia
tion the younger brother of Saood proceeded to Baghdad. Nothing has
resulted, however, beyond the detention of Abdool Rahman bin Fevsul at
Baghdad.
Saood has maintained a position of superiority over his brother
Abdoollah, but has made no attempts against the Turkish force. Saood
lias resided chiefly at Reeadh, the capital of Nejd, and has the majority
of the Arabs on bis side, but the feeling in his favor is not as yet univer
sal, some adhering to the brother. Whether the Turks have any con
siderable number of Arabs as friends is doubtful.
Saood distressed at the treacherous arrest of his brother appealed to
British authority, but it was evidently not a matter for interference.
Affairs of During the past year Abdoollah has mostly
resided near Koweit, and communications have passed between him and
the Turkish authorities, who endeavoured to entice him to Baghdad.
Preferring, however, the freedom of the desert Abdoollah sent his^confi-
dential slave Mahboob (a well known name) to Baghdad. Nothing
appears to have come of this either.
During the summer and autumn of 1873 some activity prevailed as
regards the Turkish army of Lahsa. Regiments were relieved and fresh
ones sent. Attempts were made to establish regular steam communica^
tion between Busrah, Kuteef, Bahrein and other adjacent ports. The
Turkish Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. also endeavoured to open relations with the independ
ent Arab Chiefs of Oman, to whom letters were addressed inviting