'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Part I Historical and Political Materials, Précis of Bahrein [Bahrain] Affairs, 1854-1904' [‎17] (36/204)

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12. I understand it to be the wish of an influential section of the British public that
the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. route protracted into the valley of the Euphrates should be developed as
a principal line of communication between Europe and India. Every year we are increas
ing here our lines of telegraph and frequency of steam communication. A point of set
tlement for trade will soon be a necessity ; and yet, notwithstanding these civilizing
circumstances and prospects, if Government were to withdraw from the Gulf, were it, in
other words, to let it be clearly understood that the British Government had ceased to
maintain the maritime police of these seas, my firm conviction is that within three months
from the date of this withdrawal being generally known, trade in the Gulf would be im
possible, the Persian sea-board would be plundered, and the Gulf would be a scene of
maritime disorder from north to south.
13. No officer can more sincerely dislike than I do punishing any of the tribes, espe
cially Arab tribes. But in my opinion an example is now necessary, and the Bahrein
Chief is the man who should feel the force of it.
14. I append a complaint received from one of our subjects resident at Bahrein,
whose boat was plundered oil Katar during the attacks above summarized.
15. Also a second complaint from a British subject similarly located, complaining of
the Custom House authorities at Bahrein having seized some copper that had been con
signed to him.
16. But the losses of property in Katar and elsewhere during the piratical proceed
ings above noticed have been so considerable and intermixed, that 1 have no hope of
arriving at an accurate esiwaaXe of their total.
17. I understand it is probable the Sheikh of Bahrein may plead that Katar is in
part subject to Bahrein, and that, under such conditions, he is responsible for the conduct
of the Katar people. But even conceding this position, the fact of Katar being subject
to him would be # no plea for his organizing, in conjunction with the Abuthati Chief, and
without reference to the arbitrator of the maritime truce, a sea expedition resulting in
promiscuous destruction of life and property.
18. The Minister for Muscat, who is now with me, is entirely of opinion that the
proceedings of the Chiefs should be severely noticed, and that, if these are passed over,
the views and position of Government in regard to the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. will be grievously
misunderstood.
19. The loss and plunder involved on the proceedings of the Bahrein Sheikh are
roundly estimated at above two lakhs One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees of dollairs. The Sheikh of Bahrein is reputed wealthy.
His island 1 is the centre of the finest pearl fishery known, and his revenue is considerable.
I am of opinion that he should be called on to pay a fine of one lakh One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees of dollars (which he
could readily do), and give security for future peaceable conduct at sea,-or, failing this,
that he should receive such punishment as Government may be pleased to consider pro
per.
20. The Chief's fort stands close to the shore line on one of the Bahrein islets, named
Moharrag, his craft-fish for pearls on the neighbouring bank, and it will be for Govern
ment to consider whether a Chief who has acted as this Chief has done should continue to
receive the advantages of the maritime truce.
21. I would respectfully request explicit instructions by telegraph, in order that my
language and proceedings may be entirely conformable with the policy of Her Majesty's
Indian Government. I await these instructions before addressing the Bahrein Chief, or
taking any action. But Government are well aware that when dealing with wild tribes,
if punishment have to be inflicted, much of its effect depends on punishment rapidly fol
lowing the offence."
"P. S. —Since writing the foregoing, the Bahrein Chief, alarmed apparently at infor
mation of Government's intention to notice the recent breaches of the peace at sea, has
deputed an Agent to me with a letter, in which the Chief, while remaining wholly silent
concerning his aggressions, complains of the retaliatory attack from Katar.
I have explained to this Agent that the Bahrein Chief's proceedings are welt known to
me from many sources ; that I have reported them to my Government; and that I can hold
no further communication with the Bahrein Chief until I receive instructions from India.
I learn from the Muscat Minister that this Bahrein Agent has now called on him in
view to inducing him to give a favourable complexion to the Bahrein Chief's piratical pro
ceedings. The Minister, however, in informing me of what had passed, simply repeated
his conviction that, if Government do not punish the Bahrein Chief, we may expect yet
more serious affairs—a conviction in which I fully participate."
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