'Précis of correspondence regarding the affairs of the Persian Gulf, 1801-1853' [‎102r] (203/344)

(<*l)
Part VI—Chap. XLI—A.
CHAPTER XLI—A.
BRITISH POLICY IN VIEW OF jHARITIiME DISTURBANCE
CAUSED BY PREVENTION OF MASRATS PRETENSIONS
TO BAHREIN, 1828-1830.
321-A. In 1828 the Imam of Maskat made an attempt to reduce the island
of Bahrein, but he sustained a defeat on landing on the island and some of his
and his allies* ships were captured by the Uttubis. The Imam began then to
prepare a second expedition to Bahrein.
321-B. In May 1829 the British Government directed their Agent in the
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. to endeavour to compose the differences existing between His
Highness and the Sheikh of Bahrein. The offer of mediation was accepted by
His Highness with great alacrity, as the state of bis affairs in Zanzibar
imperiously called upon him to proceed in person to theAfriean Coast, for the
purpose of crushing, if possible, the rebellion of the people of Mombassa. After
some correspondence, His Highness sent up one of his confidential men for the
purpose of arranging terms, but the Bahrein Chief, notwithstanding the earnest
advice and recommendation of the political authority, refused to listen to any
conditions of peace, however favourable to himself, that had not the guarantee
of the British Government to them. This, of course, was absolutely refused,
although His Highness earnestly begged that the pledge might be given,
Finding the Bahrein Chief firm in his determination, the British Hesident,
after a correspondence of several months, declared his mediation at an end.
Whether the Uttubi Sheikh conceived that our desire for peace was so strong
that, sooner than fail in the mediation, we should have acceded to his wishes
regarding the guarantee, or whether he really regarded our friendly interference
with an eye of suspicion, is doubtful ; but certain it is, that we had no sooner
declined taking any further steps in the affair than peace was concluded
betwixt tne belligerents (through the agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. of a dependent of thelmaum, who
had proceeded to Bahrein), on terms perhaps even mora favourable to the
interests of His Highness than those offered to the Uttubis through us; thus
adding another to the many instances in which the offer of our mediation
tended rather to protract than expedite a return to amicable relations.
321-0. The following correspondence that passed during these events
*1000 iQ/r mo ^ oio discloses the line of policy we were
Volume 42—366 of 1829, pp. 137,198and 212. ,. , . „ .1
inclined to follow at this time on the
question of the Imam's pretensions to Bahrein and the maintenance of his
influence in the Gulf.
Copy of a letter from the Hon hie the Governor to His Highness the Itnaum of Muslcat,
dated 16th April 1829.
Agreeably to Your Highiie?s's commands Asha jfTahomed Shoosturee has communicated
with me regarding the dispute existing between Your Highness and Shaikh Abdoolla bin
Ahmud Alkhuleefa, the Chief of Bahrein, and has consulted me on the part of Your Highness
as to the expediency of Your Highness's fitting out another expedition against that island.
Had Your Highness made known to me your views on Bahrein previously to the departure
of the late expedition and the commencement of hostilities on the part of Your Highness,
I should not, sincerely interested as I am in Your Highness's welfare, and anxious as 1 feel on
account of the British G-overnment to preserve the tranquillity of the Gulph, have hesitated
a single moment in recommending Your Highness to be guided in this matter by the disinterest
ed and salutary advice conveyed to you by Your Highness's friend Mr. Elphinstone in a letter
addressed to you on a former occasion when Your Highness entertained similar views with
regard to Bahrein; a copy of that letter I now transmit for Your Highness's perusal.
Coincident as my opinions are on this subject with those of my respected predecessor
Mr. Elphinstone, I must not conceal from Your Highness that the late occurrences in the Gulph
have caused me deep and unfeigned regret, being in every respect liab'e to cause a renewal of
piracy and depredation in the Gulph and to involve Your Highness in a protracted struggle
not only with the Ootoobees, but eventually perhaps with all the tribes of the Gulph.
*