'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Part I Historical and Political Materials, Précis of Bahrein [Bahrain] Affairs, 1854-1904' [‎116] (137/204)

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to him that the only manner in which he can be effectively helped by us is by the establish
ment of a formal British protectorate which must include control over his Customs, which
must be forthwith taken over by us. I also suggest that, in view of current reports point
ing to imminent foreign intrusion, the Sheikhs of Bahrein, Pirate Coasts, El Katar, and
Sultan of Maskat should be induced confidentially to give us formal documents, in which
they would appeal and authorise us to protect their time-honoured pearling rights and
methods. End of telegram.
412. The Viceroy then replied to the Secretary of State :—
Telegram, No. 2856-E. A., dated the 1st September 1904.
Please refer to your telegram, dated the 17th Augusc. Until our position as regard
No. 694. pearling banks is established, it would, in our
opinion, be preferable to postpone the questions
of French Consular representation in Bahrein, more especially as it has been raised in
connrction with the proposed pearling enterprise of Frenchmen to which Arabs object. It
is desirable al^o to defer decision until our 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. has established his ihfluence at
Bahrein, and urtil we hav« secured authority from the Sheikhs, if this is necessary. Care
ful consideration in this important matter is warranted by the dilatory tactics of the French
regarding Mons. Goguyer and the French flag case. We would, if immediate action is
necessary, only recognise a French Vice-C«nsul at Bushire as Vice-Consul for Manama on
the clear understanding—(i)that an exequatur for him be obtained from His Majesty's
Government ; (2) that his dealings shall be with the British Political Officer alone ; and (3)
that no rxtra-territorial jurisdiction shall be acquired by the French Vice-Consul; the
British 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. exercising good offices as contemplated in the case of German sub
ject, Herr Wenckhaus— vide our Secret-External despatch No. 72, dated the 9th May
1901 * Mention of the intended pearling operations not only affords a convenient opportu
nity, but also seems to make it imperative to explain to the French Government the views
of the Government of India as propounded in our despatch,f dated the 10th March 1904, with
such modifications, if any, as maybe necessitated by the advice of Law Officers. Propo
sal may, if this be done, be dropped, and this would in our opinion be the most satisfactorv
solution of the subject. If it is considered necessary to obtain from the tribes concerned
precise delegation contemplated in the letter, dated the 30th June 1904, from the India
Office to the London Foreign Office, you will perhaps telegraph to us orders on the
subject."
•
413. On receipt of this telegram it appears from correspondence received from
No. 701. London, Mr. Brodrick expressed the fol-
lowing views in the India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. letter
dated 8th September 1904to the Foreign Office:—
It will be seen that the Government of India would prefer that the question should be
postponed until their position with regard to the pearl fisheries has been ascertained and
until their newly appointed Agent at Bahrein has had time to establish his influence. If
however, Lord Lansdowne should consider it to be inexpedient to delay his reply to M*
Cambon, Mr. Brodrick considers that the reply should be such as to safeguard our posi
tion of exclusive influence in Bahrein. Whether or not it is desirable in the circumstances
that an exequatur should be given to the French Vice-Consul at Bushire to enable him to
discharge consular duties at Bahrein, which would not be covered by his exequatur from
the Persian Government, Mr. Brodrick is not in a position to offer an opinion - but the
other conditions which the Government of India desire to impose appear to him to be
necessary.
With regard to the suggestion that this opportunity should be taken to explain to the
French Government the views taken by the Government of India of their obligation in re
gard to the pearl fisheries, Mr. Brodrick thinks that any such communication would be
premature until the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown has been received : but it
might, in his opinion, be expedient to point out to M. Cambon that any intrusion by foreign
ers on pearling banks which have from time immemorial been worked exclusively by the
neighbouring Arab tribes, would undoubtedly giv e use to serious local disturbances.''
* Vide paragraph 354 supra.
t Vide paragraph 409 supra.