'ملف رقم 19/163 I (C 33) العلاقات بين ابن سعود وشيخ البحرين' أنشطة المبعوث النجدي في البحرين' [و‎‎١‎٦‎٢] (٤١٢/٣٣٠)

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for our expenses here " he said.
10. I raised the ^uestinjof a reply, and suggested
that he should await your arrival before sending it. This
he was loath to do, as he said the letter had been some
time awaiting a rreply ana to aelay further would suggest
that he could not or would not meet the charges contained
in it. It was therefore decided that he should reply in
similar style^ a complimentary letter dated and signed ,
ani an unsealed attachment which should ask in the same
abrupt language as the King had used / what exactly he
referred to when he spoke of heavy taxation and ill treat
ment of his subjects.
11. This has been done and I have just received
his letter anc enclose a copy of it. In its way ; it is an
excellent reply ana will have the support of a^l his
broohers. Technically the reply should have been^through
Bushire, but, in the circimistances^ it^seemed best to follow
the mode employed., especially as the King had ^imseli oho-'
chosen it. I should add that the references to the
persons " who would protect his interests M mentioned in
the King 1 * letter, are assumed by the Shaikh to refer to
H.M.&overnment. He laughed when he read this and said
" Well they are my friends too, I have nothing to fear
from the High Government. "
12» I have dealt with the matter in some haste,
but it seemed important that I should place you in possession
of the facts as soon as possible, in view of your impena-
ing departure from Bushire. . I venture to hope that the
VUmmau action taken by His Excellency will meet with
your approval and I regret that the labour involved pre
cluded a telegraphic reference to you.
I hav« the honour to be,
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Your/tfcT^t obedient servant.
Political Agent, Bahrain.