"ملف 9/4 إصلاحات البحرين. تطبيق الإصلاحات في البحرين" [ظ‎‎٥‎٣] (٢٢٤/١٢٣)

2
the case. He intends to remove him from the recognized leadership of tha tribe
and to instal Easa A1 Dosari who is a far more suitable person. He also proposes to
deal with the 'Ali case summarily. It would take an indefinite time to examine
the hundreds of witnesses who would be produced on either side and would still
further unsettle the tribes and Baharinah. The Shara court would drag the case
on for months, equally without result, and the Baharinah would not accept a deci
sion of the Su'nm Qadhi and vice versa. It is the Shaikh 's intention in addition to
the removal of Ahmad A\ Dosari from the leadership, to recover from the Budaiyah
the cash equivalent of all the property looted from 'Ali, and payment, in accordance
with custom, of blood money for the killed and wounded, together with a sufficient
fine from the Government of Bahrain for the disorder caused. He will hold the
elders of the Dowasir responsible for payment in a given time. They are well
capable of dividing it among themselves according to the share they took in the fray
and doubtless Ahmad Al Dosari and Khamis and their followers, who instigated the
whole affair, will have to pay the biggest-share.
I do not anticipate that there will be trouble, neither does Shaikh Hamad, as
the Dowasir appear to be fairly cowed, but the case is the supreme test of Shaikh
Hamad's new regime and any hesitation on his part, should there be delay in pay
ment, etc., would be fatal, and cause opposition among all other Sunni tribes, un
important though they are, compared to the Dowasir. It seems absolutely essen
tial, therefore, that should necessity arise, we should support Shaikh Hamad. A
gunboat is now here and likely to remain for some time. 1 would suggest that if
there is any show of defiance at the meeting to-day, 1 be authorized to ask the
Commander to move up and take up a position off Budaiyah. This would have
& gieat moral effect. Should theie be still further trouble, it might be necessary after
due warning, to undertake a light bombardment of Budaiyah or at any rate fire
a few rounds over the town. 1 should be glad, if on receipt of this report, you
Would kindly instruct me telegraphically, as to whether, in the event of necessity
aiising, I may call on H. M. S, " Cyclamen " for the assistance necessary. It
would be given at Shaikh Hamad's request, which if necessary, 1 could obtain
from him in writing. In any case, befo v e taking any definite action, 1 will refei for
final instructions by cleaj line message, should necessity arise.
Neithei the Shaikh nor I contemplate serious delay or opposition, particularly
if we can move the gunboat near Budaiyah at the slightest sign of trouble, but it
would be well to be prepared for any eventuality. Knowing all the circumstances
I concur with the action taken and proposed to be taken by Shaikh Hamad. With
out taking a strong line now, he will be quite unable to maintain order in the future
or to introduce the taxation or other leforms contemplated.
1 should like to add that Shaikhs Hamad and Abdulla are co-operating to the
best of theii ability and appear genuinely desirous of putting their house in order.
They constantly ask my advice on all sorts of matters and accept it as a rule with
pleasure. On the other hand they are not devoid of ideas of running their own
affairs and 1 think, with a few yeais' support and advice from a Political Agent,
should make a strong combination, capable of ruling and of effecting much improve
ment in Bahrain.
This report has been prepared in extreme haste to catch the mail which is now
closing* 1 beg therefore that its deficiencies may be excused.
Telegram P., No. 649, dated the 23rd June 1923.
From—Uesident, Bushire,
To—Political, Bahrain.
Your letter No. 80-C. of 19th June.
There must be no light bombardment of Budiyah nor rounds fired over villags
without express permission from His Majesty's Government which I cannot obtain
at short notice.
Such action might turn Sultan of Nejd into open enemy while negotiations ,are
proceeding and seriously prejudice course of reforms to which His Majesty's Gov
ernment are pledged.