'Précis of correspondence regarding the affairs of the Persian Gulf, 1801-1853' [‎63r] (125/344)

Part V-Chap. XXVI.
105
222. The prisoners consisting of the Chief Hassan-bin-Ali and one hundred
and sixty-nine followers proceeded in the transports to Has-ul-Ivhima \\here
they were lodged in a place of security. This mode of disposing of all
prisoners was adopted as it combined a more perfect degree of security, with
the most becomino pledge to the world that these prisoners would be treated
with due humanity until they could, from an improving state of society, be
with safety set at large. Considerable political advantages would, on Sir
William Keir's opinion/likewise arise out of the British Government holding
in its immediate power, instead of delivering over to an ally, however devoted,
or even placing in our commercial factory An East India Company trading post. at Bushire in a foreign territory, so
many individuals belonging to an unsettled country over which the influence
arising out of the numerous and povveriul tie of kindred may be exerted to
introduce order and civilization, when it became known that the release of
those individuals still kept on this spot surrounded by the sympathies and
even enjoying the good offices of their relations and triends, depended entirely
upon an abandonment of evil pursuits which the British Government had
evinced, so decided a determination to abolish for ever.
223-224. The capture of Ras-ul-Khima placed the British troops in posses
sion of all the vessels and craft at that time in the creek, and it appeared to
Sir William that their immediate destruction under present circumstances
would not be absolutely necessary, as it was probably with a different view of
the subject from that which had now been opened, that the Government had
directed the demolition of the piratical vessels and craft" in the Gulf.
225. The employment of those kept in the service of Government, or in
any other legitimate manner, would. Sir William thought, equally with their
destruction deprive the pirates of their use, and he considered this deprivation
to be the object and spirit of the command to destroy them. Under this view
of the subject he retained the whole of the vessels, until he should recei\ e the
further instructions of the Governor in Council.
226. In consequence of the great scarcity of good water which involved
the necessity of bringing it from a distance for the use of the^ troops, and the
general want of supplies that would arise when the fleet might leave this, as
well as from a contemplation of the necessity of occasionally moving to various
places on the coast apart of the garrison of Ras-ul-Khima, or any other troops
that might be left in the Gulf, it was resolved to employ nine of the captured
boats best adapted to the purpose of relieving the above-mentioned wants.
(Ill) DESIGNS OF PERSIA AND MASRAT ON BAHREIN.
227. After reporting the facts detailed above. Sir William Grant Keir
Volume 52-49 of 1820-1821, page 159. added :—
27. I am inclined to believe that the Persian Government have long been desirous of
obtaining 1 possession of the Island of Bahrein under an impression of its gieat nches and
resources, which are considered to arise principally from the pearl fishery.
28. His Highness the Imam of Maskat informs me that he had repeatedly urged that
Government to undertake a joint expedition for the purpose of placing him in possession of
this island, and that he had agreed to supplv ships and vessels for the purpose of transporting
their united armies across the Gulf. His Highness was solicited about two months ago by
the Prince of Shiraz to prepare his ships, but he replied that he was then engaged with
the British Government in the suppression of piracy, and that his ships consequently could not
be spared. The Imam might have given his reply from having been disappointed by the
Persian Government for the two last seasons when the promised army had not been equipped,
yet I still think that the army now said to be marching towards the coast ^ has been movec
under an expectation that the Imam will be induced to transport it to Bahiein; at all events
this will be the ostensible and alleged reason of the movement, although the real causes of it
may be the jealousy excited by the knowledge of His Highness's desire to repossess himself of
this island, and the proximity of a British army with which His Highness is in strict
co-operation.
29. By the messenger above mentioned the Imam has received a second application for
his ships ; to this he has replied that if the Prince of Shiraz would pledge on oath not again to
deceive him respecting the promised army, and likewise to reimburse his expenses, be wiK
proceed accordingly to wherever the army may be assembled.