'File No. E/3. QATAR - Shaikhs Jasim & Ahmad al Thani & death of Shaikh Jasim in 1913' [‎10v] (32/394)

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5. There are, of course, many other points which will have to be con
sidered before a definite arrangement with the Chief of El-Katr is entered
into, ior instance, it would be necessary to make further enquiries as to the
actual position occupied in Katr by Sheikh A limed. His brother Sheikh Jasim
is the actual Chief so far as the tribes are concerned, but so far as dealings with
the Turks are concerned, he has retired in favour of Sheikh Ahmed. Sheikh
Jasim is over 80 years of age, and before any arrangement is made with Sheikh
Ahmed, it will be necessary to find out more about his position and how the suc
cession to the Chiefship will devolve on Sheikh Jasim's death. Again, the question
ol the choice of residence on Karr by the Chief with whom we enter into the
arrangement will ha'Ne to be considered. The probability is that some other place
than Zobara on the opposite coast of Katr will be found to be more suitable,
on account of the proximity of the pearling banks. I would, therefore, ask
that this letter may be considered merely as an ad interim report submitted
for the purpose of informing the Government of India of the wish expressed
by Sheikh Ahmed to enter into relations with the British Government, .and
I would solicit the instructions of Government as to what action I should'take.
Meanwhile, 1 have told the Assistant 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. that there is no objection
to his meeting Sheikh Ahmed should the latter visit Bahrein, as he talks of
doing shortly for the purpose of seeing Sheikh Esa, and hearing what he has
to say, without, however, making him any promise or offering him any
encouragement whatever. In conclusion, I would beg to remark that the
reference made by Sheikh Ahmed in his message to Mr. Gaskin regarding his
leadiness to co-operate in matters on the mainland probably refers to the
murder of Sheikh Salman-bin-Diaij, the cousin of the Sheikh of Bahrein, and
his followers. There is little doubt that, if Sheikh Ahmed were assured of our
proteciion, he could arrange to bring to justice the perpetrators of this crime.
I have the honour to report that Sheikh Ahmed-bin-Muhammad Thani of
Katr is anxious to come under the protection of His Majesty's Government.
For the last two years he has been periodically sending me messages
to the effect that he is desirous of meeting me privately, and on each occasfon
hinted that he wished to obtain our protection. He recently sent a more
urgent message with one named Abdur JElahman Wazzan to the effect that, if
His Majesty's Government will extend their protection to him and his follow
ing, he will be glad to reside nt any place in Katr which the Government may
think fit, that he will hold himself responsible to keep the seas round Katr free
from pirates, and that he will co-operate with the Government and the Chief
of Bahrein in any matters which may concern them on the mainland.
Sheikh Ahmed is a wealthy Chief and consequently is influential with the
nomad tribes, and his influence and prestige would rapidly increase directly
it is known that he enjoys our protection. Also, any settlement in Katr under
our protection will quickly expand and draw away most of the inhabitants of
El-Bida. The piracy question is an important one, and I need hardly point
out the desirability of having a responsible Chief to keep the Katr coast clear,
and I am inclined to think that Sheikh Ahmed could keep the Bedouins in
check in this as well as other respects.
I am not sufBciently acquainted with the history of Katr to offer any
definite opinion as regards the rights of the Chief of Bahrein to that district
but I understand from the Chief that Zobara is the only place in Katr to which
he can lay claim. Should His Majesty's Government decide to entertain
Sheikh Ahmed's proposal, I am of opinion that it may be arranged with the
Chief of Bahrein to permit him to occupy Zobara on terms to be settled
No. 56, dated Bahrein, the 22nd March 1902 (Confidential).
From— J. C. Gaskin , Esq., Assistant 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. , Bahrein,
To— Lieutenant-Colonel C. A. Kemball , Officiating Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .