Political No. 91 of 1874, Forwarding for Information a Copy of Papers Regarding the Proceedings at Bahrein in Connection with the Turkish Steamer Assoor [‎107v] (12/14)

2. Erom perusal of Captain Guthrie’s letter it is evident that the perver
sion of facts on the part of the Turk was wilful rather than from ignorance.
JY. B .—Copy forwarded direct to Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. .
No. 11, dated Muscat, 30th April 1874.
From—Commander of Her Majesty's S. D. V. May Frere,
To—Her Britannic Majesty's Acting 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 Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
In answer to your letter No. 570-280 of 1874, dated Muscat, I have the
honor to state as follows :—
On Friday p.m., 22nd August 1873, the small Turkish steamer Fox arrived in
Bahrein harbour. The Chief Officer of the May Frere, Mr. Booker, reported to
me that the Captain had come on board and was going on to Bushire; he would
take letters for us. 1 told Mr. Booker to explain how I was and could not see
him, hut to thank him for his offer, he civil to him and tell him that Major
Grant, 1st Assistant Resident, one of the Officers he had seen last year at Ojair,
was residing on shore at Bahrein. Most likely he would have some letters to
send; also he would be able to give him any information or assistance that was
required. I was not visible at the time as I was laid up from the effects of a
stab I had received a short time before at Bushire, and as I had lost a deal of
blood and the jaw hone had been cut I required rest: speech was out of the
question.
The Fox departed on Monday 25th at day-light but went to Kuteef. Two
of the Engineers of our vessel passed the greater part of Sunday on hoard of
the Fox; they had some conversation with the Commander; he said nothing
about want of courtesy on his reception, oi’ to lead any one to think he was
dissatisfied in any way; in fact he was rather communicative and expressed
doubts about getting any passengers on account of the people being frightened
about rumours of the behaviour of some Turkish troops he had on board. When
he put in to Albiddha it seems they had landed there and robbed some British
subjects. About three weeks after we met the Fox in Bushire roads then on his
way to Busreh, and dipped flags to each other in passing, which I am certain
would not have occurred had there been any ill feeling in the Commander’s
part about his reception on hoard the May Frere. As regards the whole of
the charges I can only say that this is the first I have heard of them, but can
give no further information, hut I should say that all statements made by the
Commander of the Fox should be received with great caution as the following
will. show. During the latter part of 1871 the Turkish authorities cast very
anxious eyes on Bahrein and wanted to open up correspondence with the
Bahrein authorities about accepting the Turkish flag. The Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. of Baghdad and
the Turkish Commodore w r ere hovering about to that effect. Colonel Pelly,
Resident, and Major Grant, 1st Assistant Resident, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , were on board
the gun-boat Hugh Rose, then under my command, watching the motions
ot the Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. .and Commodore. They weremreported to have arrived at Ojair. On
receipt of this intelligence the Colonel proceeded to Ojair. On nearing that place
the was perceived at anchor: there was also another small steamer laying in the
Inner Bay. On anchoring a boat came off from the shore containing the Com
mander of the Fox, who informed Colonel Pelly that the Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. and the Commo
dore had left by land for Kuteef. As soon as it was dark we despatched a boat
and discovered that the Commodore was still in Ojair.