"٣٣ ملف ٦٦٥ عداوات بين الشيخ زايد والشيخ جاسم" [ظ‎‎٣‎٠‎٤] (٨٤٥/٦٤٣)

18
El-Bida, and he reports that at the time of his departure from there he heard
that the spies despatched by Jasim had arrived at that place, and that Shaikh
Zaeed had arrived near about. That Jasim had solicited the aid of the Turkish
soldiers at El-Bida and that they were preparing to go to join him. That
Jasim at the head of his force had arrived at a place called Sehaleeya about I3
hollrs , distance from El-Bida. That Jasim has settled his difference with the
Turkish soldiers who had now placed themselves under his orders. That he had
given them 100 bags of rice and 50 Kerosine oil tins filled with ghee.
Mulham is of opinion that if the Turkish soldiers actually join Jasim in
an attack against Zaeed, they are sure to defeat the latter as they are disciplined
troops.
Mulham also reports that Naeefa a messenger from Tbn Rashid has landed
at Mattrah, a village in Hassa, With letters to Jasim and a present of 2 marea
and 3 camels, and that Jasim has informed his troops that the reinforcement
from Ibn Rashid will arrive within the next two days, and that the Al-Murrah
will also lend their aid to him.
I am however of opinion that these promises of help which Jasim is hold
ing out to his troops are only intended to encourage them.
I have seen a letter from Jasim to Mujbil in which the writer says that he
is prepared to meet Zaeed and that he is not afraid of his advance; on the con
trary that he will himself march out to attack Zaeed incase the latter should
not advance against him. In that letter he also wishes Mujbil to believe that
Ibn Rashid will not fail to fulfil his promise. The date of this letter is 17tb
March.
It is apparent that Jasim wrote that letter before the arrival of Naeefa.
My own opinion fs that if the news about Zaeed's advance be true, and
also that if Jasim be supported by the Turkish soldiers, Zaeed's forces will-
have hard work before them ; for Jasim is regardless of expense and the Tur
kish soldiers are greedy, as is known. Their number at El-Bida is 260.
No. 58, dated the 10th April 1889.
From—The Residency Agent, Bahrain,
To—The Political Resident, Persian Gulf.
After Compliments. —News has reached Bahrain that Jasim bin Thani
has marched from Messeymeer to Moosheyrib near Bida. I think that he has
taken this step by the advice of the Turkish soldiers as it was not possible for
them to join him at Messeymeer which is distant from Bida about 4 hours.
Their official instructions are that they should defend the town and its suburbs,
and they are bound to defend the water wells at Nayija at all events, upon the
supply of which the inhabitants depend, for the ^ater of Messheyrib is brackish
besides being scanty. The distance between Bida and Nayija is about 15 or
20 minutes.
It is reported that it is the intention of Jasim on the arrival of Zaeed, to find
out the strength of the enemy before risking an engagement; and in the event
ofthe enemy being too strong for him to venture upon an open engagement
with them, to order his troops to retire into the town ; and request the Turkish
soldiers to open fire upon the enemy from the fort if they come near Nayija.
If he finds them weak, and his own men steady and reliable, to go out to meet
the enemy. Nothing is yet known about Zaeed's movements towards Katr as no
one has come here from Bida this week.
Some Bedouins belonging to the tribe of Naeem have arrived here from
Roowayis and Abu DthoJoof. They have hired some boats for the purpose of
removing themselves and families to Bahrain together with all their moveables.
They have been advised to do so by the people of El-Bida.
It is supposed that this step hasbeen taken by the Naeem from fear of
Zaeed bin Khalifah who they expect will detach some parties against them for
the purpose of plundering and slaughtering them.