Coll 30/192(1) ‘Persian Gulf. Defence BAHRAIN.’ [‎121r] (241/327)

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SEC RET.
By:- The G.3.O.3., Aii* Headquarters,
British forces in ’Iraq.
For:- The Air Officer Cornnaadino; in ’Iraq.
HABBA^IYA.
January, 1939.
P Tf rROB!ICTOR v .
1
The Archipelago of ^4 TT RFPT consists of the island of
BA TT RFP T which is approximately 30 miles loner from >T 0 rth to gouth
BAHRUIP island is mostly flat and low. The native population of
the islands is approximately 120,000, of whom about three quarters
are Shia Mahommedans and mainly agricultural. The remainder
including the ruling family are Sunnis.
The chief town is M Ail AMAH, at the North Eastern corner of
the island, with a i opulation of 25,000.
Immediately opposite M All AMAH is the town of MU HARR AQ on
the island of MUIIAlMiAQ. A Causeway along which runs a road
stretches out to connect these towns and islands, but tnere is at
present a gap of 130 yards in the causeway whicn nas to be crossed
by b«at. It is anticipated that by about the end of 1939, this
gap will be reduced in width and will be spanned by a swing bridge.
2. BAHREIN is ruled by a oaaikh wno is in treaty relations
with the British Government. In brief the 3haikn agrees to alien
ate no part of his territory except to the Britisn, to conform to
British policy and to accept no help pecuniary or otherwise from
any foreign power. The Shaikh has a British Advisor and there is
a British Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. . Air Headquarters, British Forces in
’Iraq also have an Air Liaison Officer in MANAMAH.
3. BAHREpr has always been of great importance to Great
Britain in view of its controlling position in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
In ~ecent years the finding of oil, the formation of an
oil company (The BA TJ REP T Petroleum Company Ltrl.) and the erection
of a refinery has greatly increased this importance.
Moreover in view of possible trouble in the Anglo Iranian
Oil fields in the event of war, the oil fields of rA TT RBpT and
Arabian Coast might become of vital importance in the maintenance
of the Empire oil fuel supplies.
4. The main reasons why the defence of BAHREIN must be
undertaken are
(a} The valuable oil fields and Refinery.
(b) The existence of the Jafair naval shore establishments.
(c) Its importance as a landing ground and alighting area on
the main Empire air route.
(d) The fact that it has been decided to station a R.A.F.
flight on the island of MUKARRAQ.
(e) The fact that it has been selected as tne future location
of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. 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. .
(f) The partial guarantee of protection given by the British
Government.