'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Part I Historical and Political Materials, Précis of Bahrein [Bahrain] Affairs, 1854-1904' [‎165] (200/204)

1^5
This case had to await His Excellency's arrival and, in view of increased
foreign activity in the Oulf, it seemed to me that the foregoing summary in regard
to Bahrein might be useful. Some of the papers required for reference have only
just become available. The drafts may now be submitted to His Excellency for
approval or orders.
H. Daly,— i -5 -oi.
My note and the Legislative Department's notes on pages 2 and 3 explain
the drafts.
The question seems to turn on whether Bahrein is under our recognised
protectorate or not. The preceding office note gives a summary of the corres
pondence on this question. The most recent views of 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. are that
No. aS. Secret e ., March 1899, Nos.27 -31. " the Bahrein Chief is already to a con-
*■ _ c * 1? tr u M siderable extent under the protection of
No. 119, Secret e., February 1900, Noe 119 121. *1 /-> ^ r t v 11 1 1 n*
the Government of India " and that "it
rests with the British Government to determine in each particular case that may
arise what steps ought to be taken for the protection of the subjects of foreign
Powers. "
•
The position seems to be that in a recognised protectorate like Zanzibar we
claim jurisdiction over foreigners and exercise it under an Order in Council A regulation issued by the sovereign of the United Kingdom on the advice of the Privy Council. whether
they like it or not. In Bahrein we can hardly claim the same jurisdiction if the
foreigner prefers to be subject to the jurisdiction of the Bahrein Courts, and to
do so, Mr. Wankhausis a quarrelsome person, might raise the whole question of
our protectorate. But, nevertheless, by virtue of our exclusive position we can
and do claim, as against the Chief, to protect all foreigners if we think it is in
any case necessary to do so.
1 have suggested an addition to the draft to this effect. But I think we might
also add to the draft despatch something to the effect that our position at Bahrein
is unsatisfactory if European merchants take to settling there for purposes of
trade, and that it is for consideration whether some steps should not be taken to
convert that position into a regular protectorate.
H. S. Barne^,—1 -5-01.
C[URZONj,— 2 -5 -OI.
To the 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. , No. 708-E.A., dated
the 4th May 1901.
Instructs him as to the course which should he adopted in the event of any mer'
cantile or other cases arising between the subjects of the Chief cf Bahrein
and Mr. Wankhaus or his Agent.
To His Majesty's Secretary of State for India, No. 72 (Secret
External), dated the 9th May 1901.
Forwards a copy of the correspondence for information and approval of the ins*
tructions issued. Suggests the advisability of taking steps to place our
position in Bahrein upon a more assured and definite footing*
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