'Selections from the Records of the Bombay Government' [‎410] (452/733)

410
UTTOOBEES.
the two proposed, pending a reference to the Bombay Government
regarding it. He strove first, however, as a precautionary measure, by
a written address to the Governor of Nabend, pointing out the risk he
incurred of laying himself open to attacks from the Chief of Bahrein,
should he permit his guest to molest the people of that island, to curb
and check the hostile propensities of Shaikh Abdoolla. Nor did he write
in vain ; this appeal to his feelings and interests was warmly responded
to by Ahmed bin Syf, and followed up by the despatch of a confidential
messenger to Shaikh Mahomed bin Khaleefa, apologising for the
conduct of Abdoolla bin Ahmed, and promising to do his utmost to
restrain him. So far matters went smoothly enough ; but the ex-chief
had no intention to permit of restraint being placed upon his actions:
he had entered into an alliance with the Tribe of the Beni Malij, and
they were at feud with Shaikh Ahmed bin Syf; and to show the latter
how little he cared for his authority, he hastened to seize two more
vessels of Bahrein.
Shaikh Mahomed bin Khaleefa, incensed at the injury, but more
incensed at his inability to resent it, deputed his own brother, Shaikh
Ali bin Khaleefa, to Bushire, to advocate his cause with the Resident,
and to beg that officer either to coerce the ex-chief, or to give him
permission to retaliate. Shaikh Ali was informed that an intimation
would be conveyed to Abdoolla bin Ahmed, that unless he restored
all the prizes he had made, and abstained for the future from mischief,
the operation of the restrictive line would at once be suspended, and he
left to the mercy of his more powerful enemy. Meanwhile, however,
until a reply had been received to the above communication, affairs must
remain on their present footing. The British Envoy at the capital was
likewise apprised of all that was doing, and through his medium was an
order issued to the Ameer of Fars, " directing him to compel Abdoolla
bin Ahmed to restore the boats he had taken at Bahrein, and to adopt
measures for preventing disorders so injurious to the commerce of the
Gulf." Plainly perceiving that a refusal to abide by the directions of
the Resident would only be detrimental to his own interests, the ex-
chief gave a verbal assurance, that so long as he remained within the
territories of His Majesty the Shah, he would abstain from aggressions
upon the trade and dependents of Bahrein. This announced intention
he shortly after found himself compelled to obey, for the British Govern
ment wrote up stringent instructions to the Residentj desiring him to
prohibit Abdoolla bin Ahmed from committing any acts of aggression
upon Bahrein soil or trade, so long as he was located in I ei^ia; and the
ex-chief having shown a reluctance to confirm in writing the veibal
promise he had given, a vessel of war was at once despatched to inform
him that he was under restraint, whether he wished it or no.