‘Persian Gulf gazetteer. Part 1. Historical and political materials. Précis of Katar [Qatar] affairs, 1873-1904.’ [‎11r] (21/92)

11
perty of Jasim bin Thani^ and some dates and cloth belonging to Banyans" (Britisli
subjects) and to people of Bahrein.^
33. In October 1874 the Political Hesidenfc communicated a further report
Political a .. Novemta 1874, Mo, 2 o3. ^ , : om " le News- writer The lowest of the four classes into which East India Company civil servants were divided. A Writer’s duties originally consisted mostly of copying documents and book-keeping. that Jasim
bm Thani, the son or Mahomed bm
Thani, Chief of Bidaa, had, with a view to recover his own money, imprisoned
seven men of the Beni Hajir on account of the said plunder; and he, the
Political [Resident, at the same time mentioned that he awaited further
information as to the steps which the Bidaa Chief might take in the matter.
24i. 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 June 1875, reported that owing to the
Letter Nos. 623-162, dated 18th June 1875. Conduct of JaSllU, in harbouring the
Political a , September 1875, Nos. 59-67- ^ Bedouins and conniving at their seizure
of boats in the Bidaa district, he considered that a responsibility attached
to the Bidaa Chief in the matter of the plunder under reference, but, owing
to that Chief's position as regards the Turkish Government, it was obviously
inadvisable to make a demand on him for satisfaction, as might have been
done were his status different. He, however, addressed Mahomed bin Thani
enquiring whether he proposed to cause restitution to be made to our subjects,
and his reply showed that he to some degree accepted the responsibility.
85. The actual payment of the indemnification being deferred however,
and as complaints were also received from the Banians residing at Bidaa of
unjust exactions imposed by tbe Chief, 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. directed Lieu
tenant Fraser, his Second Assistant, who was proceeding to Bahrein on special
duty, to visit Bidaa and enquire into the matter, as also to observe quietly, as
far as possible, the present political condition of Bidaa.
36. Two reports were forwarded by Lieutenant Praser, one of which
(Enclosure 3) showed that the Chief Mahomed bin Thani had paid the amount
claimed as compensation for the boat plunder, and made restitution of the
excessive exaction levied on Banians in his town.
37. The other report which describes the political situation at Bidaa is as
follows :—
" There is a small force of Turkish Gendarmes, 50 in number, stationed here, and
commanded by an officer named Jasim Agha, who is also a Kazi.
" Mahomed bin Tlmni, though now averse to, and desirous of freeing himself from, the
thraldom of Turkish control, is afraid of exhibiting outward symptoms of disaffection, which
would probably result in his removal to Constantinople and detention there for an indefinite
period.
<( Jasim Agha, the Turkish officer, is consulted in all matters connected with the Chief's
policy and administration, and nothing can be done without his concurrence. Such curtail
ment of power is extremely irksome to Mahomed bin Thani, and also to his ambitious son,
Jasim, who, however heartily he may have welcomed the advent of the Turks at first, would
now as gladly rejoice at their departure.
The Turkish flag is flown of course.
The Turkish officer is said to get a deal of money out of the Arabs.
A Turkish vessel is shortly expected here, and it is said will proceed to Bahrein,
" The number of the Beni Hajir in Bidaa amounts to some 2J30 fighting men, and their
Chief's name is Salim bin Shafi. They appear to have settled down permanently, having
their own houses and some engaging in the pearl fishery. Besides these, there are some 300
of the same tribe encamped in the vicinity under the command of Mahomed bin Shafi. The
object of retaining so many warriors of this tribe at great expense (for they require both money
and food), is to enable the Guttur Chief to some day strike a blow at Bahrein and Zobarah.'-
38. Colonel Ross also forwarded, together with a petition from British
Indian traders at Bidaa, in which they expressed a wish to leave the place,
a translation of the letter from the Bidaa Chief explaining, with regard to
the exaction complained of by the Banians, that he took from them a sum of
money for the purpose of protecting them and their property from robb&rs to
prevent injury. He said that he levied contributions from all, and added
thereto and observed—

‘Persian Gulf gazetteer. Part 1. Historical and political materials. Précis of Katar [Qatar] affairs, 1873-1904.’ [‎11r] (21/92)

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‘Persian Gulf gazetteer. Part 1. Historical and political materials. Précis of Katar [Qatar] affairs, 1873-1904.’ [‎11r] (21/92)

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