"دليل الخليج. الجزء الأول. المواد التاريخية والسياسية. ملخص عن التوسع التركي على السواحل العربية للخليج العربي وشؤون الأحساء والقطيف" [‎٣‎٧] (١٦٠/٤٩)

87
139. With regard to the above letter, Colonel Pelly wrote :—
" The English version o£ the letter of the Chief of Bahrein is now enclosed, and I reject-
fully solicit a careful pertisal of it, for it appears to me that while this document exculpates the
Chief of Bahrein from any intentional insult or annoyance to Turkish authority, it leaves on
the local Turkish authorities at Lhasa the responsibility of having selected as their official
messenger a tribesman concerned, directly or indirectly, in the murder of the late Chief of
Bahrein, and of having permitted this messenger to proceed to Bahrein unaccredited, and
carrying on his person a letter, evidencing the wish of the Turkish Government to capture
Bahrein; the time and circumstances of transmission seem to add to the weight of the above
responsibilities.^
140. In a letter dated 17th January, the Government of India expressed
their entire approval of the proceedings of Colonel Pelly in the matter, and
commended the prudence and sagacity displayed by him throughout the diffi
cult business.
141. On the 5th January Colonel Pelly telegraphed to Bombay Govern
ment.
<f Bahrein Chief has sent me reply of Baghdad Pasha to his letter. Chief anxious to rely
on my advice in the matter. Please instruct me at early convenience if I am to counsel
Chief."
11)2. On the following day he signalled :—
"My telegram of yesterday. Pasha's letter to Chief demands ten thous and silver dirhems
Hood-money, and seizure and confinement of murderer. If demands not carried into effect,
Pasha able bv power of Imperial Majesty to give real and actual effect thereto. It does not
anoear that Pasha communicated Chiefs letter to Porte as requested. Shall I suggest to
Chief to make reioinder that he would submit Pasha's letter to our Government with request
that in communication with Porte, amicable settlement might be arrived at, and that he would
bind himself to accept settlement. 1 think that if reparation be demanded from Chief for
death of messenger, ChieE in turn would have claims for indemnity for murderer of his father
niracv of his territory, and plunder of British and other subject on residing island. Early
Instructions solicited as Hugh Rose ready to proceed to Bahrein. In yew of the
reouest tor early instructions I have," intimated the (jovernov of Bombay, ■ replied that Pc ly
should advise Chief to reply as suggested, and if compelled notwithstanding to pay money under
nrotest and appeal to Government, Pellj; directed to gain time in order that orders of Govern-
ment of India may be received if above instructions disapproved.
143 The Government of India replied to the Bombay Government
« Inform Pelly confidentially. If thought advisable, Chief should pay demand; he
Should do so in deposit to Pelly, pending further instructions. Any symptoms of intention to
show force to Bahrein to be reported immediately for orders. Vessel of war should remain
near island."
144. The intelligence was communicated to Secretary of State on the 12th
with the following request
« Move Sublime Porte to refer matter to our arbitration. If indemnity be demanded,
strict orders should be issued from Constantinople to Pasha to make no attempt to support,
demand bv force or show of it pending arbitration. The demand if persisted in after explana-
tion which Bahrein Chief gave Pasha may possibly open up_ whole question of messengers
antecedents and liability for his previous acts in Bahrein. It is essential the matter be settled
diplomatically and force be forbidden.
" I will advise Bahrein not to pay the demand pending arbitration, or to deposit it only
with Resident in Gulf,"
145. Colonel Pelly, with regard to the instructions of Government, tele
graphed on the 16 th *.—•
" Your telegram fourteenth. I think the proposed deposit might be misinterpreted, but
cnlJrif instructions I would deferentially suggest that intimation of proposed reterence to
1 Pmtc shfuld be given tTPasha through Colonel Herbert, and that Ambassador to Constan-
tinople be requested to move Porte to restrain Pasha from carrying threat into execution pending
arbitration. Pasha's reply to Chief reads to me rather that of a disappointed aggressor threaten
ing future retaliation than that of authority empowered to take immediate action.
Government consented to this course and informed the Secretary of State
accordingly, and it was added
"It is not a point of any importance. Essential thing »s for hid show or use offoice
and to settle question diplomatically, I hope this will be uiged.