"ملف 19/218 (C 84) خلافة البحرين" [و‎‎٦‎١] (٢١٠/١٢٣)

- 2 -
c.f. letter from
tlie Pol. Resident
in Persian G-ulf
dated
15 1696.
^ - £
Hi*
a
No. 194 of
1696.
r
anticipated that G-overnment's support of Shaikh
Hamad's claims to uhaikhahip would not only be viewed
favourably but would also ensure a peaceful succession
c.na increase our influence without augmenting our
responsibilities.
3. In recommending the Shaikh's request to the
G-overnment of India, the Political Resident expressed
tnes opinion that the time has come to take a more
decided position in Bahrain than we have hitherto done,
and that the treaty engagements entered into between
the British (government and the Shaikhs of Bahrain,
followed by more recent closer relations, appear to
justify an intimation by the British aovernment that
the status of Bahrain towards the Government of India
is identical with that of protected Native States in
India". It %as argued that if this was done the
recognition of shaikh Hamad would merely follow prece-
oent oiten aaopted in India* Further reasons urged
were that the succession was approved by many of the
elders of the tribes, a peaceful succession without the
inevitable family quarrels which ensue on the demise
of a Luuhamnadan ruler; and that recognition would
otrengtnen the position of Shaikh Hamad. Another
(and at the time not unimportant) reason mooted was
that the recognition v/ould effectually put an end to
Turkey's pretensions in regard to Bahrain.
4» ihe quesbion was examined by the Government of
India and the manner in which it was dealt with is
• v
briefly explained in their despatch to Secretary of
tate. dated the 27th October 1696. It may, however,
ue mentioned that the matter was fully discussed from
the point of view of the constitutional issue raised