'33 File 665 Hostilities between Shaikh Zaid and Shaikh Jasim' [‎308r] (650/845)

30?
Extract from the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Diary for the week ending the 7th April 1889-
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It is reported that Jasim is about to despatch some boats to Sila with armed
men, when it is probable an encounter may take place between them and
Zaid's force either on land or sea.
No. 97; dated Bushire, the 26th April 1889.
From—C olonel E. C, Ross, c.s.i ., 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 Grulf,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
I have the honour to forward a translation of the marginally noted letter
,,,,,,, . from the Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. Asrent, Bahrain, con-
No. eo, dated 15th April 1889. . . • , n- ^ i! .CP • i i . i
taming intelligence of an airs on the Arab
Coast.
Translation of a letter from the Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. Agent at Bahrain, No. 60, dated the 15th April 1889,
A boat has arrived here from Bidaa bringing 15 Turkish soldiers who are
on their way to Busrah. Letters brought by that boat say that Zaid has not
yet arrived on the frontiers of Katr, but it appears that Jasim is encamped
with his troops, consisting of towns-people and Bedouins, round about Bidaa.
Some say that Jasim's forces number over three thousand men besides the-Tur
kish troops, but others again put it down to two thousand only.
The Turkish soldiers who arrived at Bahrain praise much the equipment
of Jasim's army, which, they say, is supplied with Martini rifles. They say the
Turkish soldiers stationed at Bidaa will follow Jasim as far as Kaijah. They
also mention that Zaid wrote to the Turkish Commandant at Bidaa asking him
not to interfere in the pending encounter, as he (Zaid) was not going to ad
vance against the town where the Turkish troops are stationed. It appears
that Zaid even promised the Commandant to supply him and his soldiers with
all the necessary provisions in the shape of water, firewood, &c., which is usual
ly obtained from the outlying villages, if he remained neutral. But the
Commandant appears to have refused such a. proposal, and to have replied to
Zaid that he (Commandant) has a duty to perform in protecting the town and
the people, and that if he failed in that duty, he would be answerable to his
Government.
The Nakhoda of the boat above referred to reports that Jasim has issued an
order to the Natiye craft, enjoining the Nakhoda's not to carry any passengers
from the place, and that no one is now allowed to leave that place.
The people of Ruwais and Abudhaluf have removed themselves to Bah
rain with their families, cattle, and -chattels, by special boats from Bahrain, des
patched by their tribesmen living there.
The Nairn from Kuwais and other northern villages have also sent their
families with all their effects to Bahrain.
It is said that Jasim is constantly renewing his pact with the Naim for
fear they might betray him. Some hints have gone to Jasim from here that
the Naim are inwardly well disposed [towards the chief of Bahrain, and that
they will not help him (Jasim) in time of need. But I do not believe in this.
Telegram dated Simla, the 13th May 1889.
From—Resident, Bushire,
To—Foreign Secretary, Simla.
I t is reported that serious fighting occurred between Abu-Thabi and Katr
forces, resulting defeat latter.