‘Report on the Administration of the Persian Gulf Political Residency and Muskat Political Agency for the year 1878-79.’ [‎103v] (13/146)

4 administration hepoet of tije persian gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. political
3.—B ahrain.
16. The Reports for the two years preceding that under review de
scribed these islands as exempt from external dangers, though the in
ternal administration and affairs were not wholly satisfactory. During
the past year circumstances have combined to cause excitement and
panics, and to necessitate some vigilance and attention on the part of the
officers of the British Government, and measures to prevent the spread
of disorder and to protect our interests.
17. The inhabitants of Bahrain have suffered both from marauders on
the islands themselves and from the depredations of pirates operating
from the opposite mainland.
18. The robberies which were alluded to in the last Annual Report
were followed by other cases' and geireral insecurity and nervousness
prevailed. The Chief, Shaikh, Eesa, was at last roused to take effectual
repressive measures, and succeeded in arresting the ringleader of the
robbers, Ali-bin-Jabir, and six of his followers. Four of the latter
were punished by amputation of their hands, and this severity served to
check the spread of disorder. Unfortunately Ali-bin-Jabir was allowed
to escape from prison and gained the mainland, where he joined a band
of Beni-Hajir pirates, and guided them to a point on the Bahrain island,
where they landed and stole a number of sheep. Ali-bin-Jabir was
subsequently seized at Ojair by the Turkish Deputy Governor and sent
in fetters to El Hasa. The Chief of Bahrain requested the extradition
of the offender, and this was assented to by the Wali of Busrah, but the
order has not yet been acted on by the Governor of El Hasa.
19. The depredations of piratical bands of Beni-Hajir and other
Bedouins on the coast opposite to Bahrain, besides the actual loss in
flicted, injuriously affected Bahrain. In some ten instances vessels be
longing to the islands were seized and plundered, and communication
with El Kateef was for a time interrupted. In addition to the excite
ment and apprehension caused by the proceedings of the pirates, the
Chief of Bahrain entertained fears of an attack in force by the mainland
Arabs under his cousin, Nasir-bin-Mubank, who, with Jasim-bin-Mo-
liammed of El-Bidaa, assembled a force of Bedouins in November and
attacked and destroyed the town of Zobarah.
20. On this occasion the Chief of Bahrain, whose former connection
with Zobarah will be borne in mind, was anxious to be permitted to
proceed to the relief of his quondam allies, but was prohibited from
doing so. The Resident and Senior Naval Officer, however, visited Jasim-
bin-Mohammed's camp near Zobarah aud ascertained that no attack on
Bahrain was contemplated.
21. During the existence of alarm for the safety of the Bahrain islands,
armed boats belonging to the Chief were, under direction of Her Majesty's
Naval Officers, stationed to watch certain points within the limits of
Bahrain waters. On two occasions those in command of the boats ex
ceeded their orders, and took action beyond their assigned limits.
Shaikh Eesa was required to show his disapproval by fining his officers
for their irregularities.
22. Her Majesty's vessels of war have, during late disorders, kept
vigilant watch on Bahrain and rendered important services in checking
piracy. Through the exertions of Commander Pringle, Her Majesty s