‏"ملخص الأحداث والتدابير الرئيسية التي اتخذها سمو نائب الملك اللورد كرزون من كيدلستون، نائب الملك والحاكم العام للهند في إدارة الخارجية. ‏I‏. يناير ١٨٩٩-أبريل ١٩٠٤. ‏II‏. ديسمبر ١٩٠٤-نوفمبر ١٩٠٥. المجلد IV. بلاد فارس والخليج الفارسي." [و‎‎١‎٧‎٨] (٣٨٤/٣٦٠)

97
from this that for none of the claims put forward by the Political Agent is there
any justification, and that he should not attempt to apply interference or
pressure in the various forms which lie suggests with a view to forcing the
Sheikh to adopt premature reforms, hut that he should devote himself to the busi
ness of acquiring the confidence of the ruler. Instructions in this sense should
be given to Captain Prideaux, with a view to his building up a position which
will enable him to tender advice for the gradual amelioration of the internal
administration. The one point upon which the Government of India are com
pelled at the present stage to offer authoritative advice is that of Customs
reform, which, after the previous declarations made to Sheikh Esa on the subject,
is not a matter which can be allowed to rest until the Chief chooses to take
action. On this matter they are prepared to await your advice as to the manner
in which, and the moment when, a communication should be made to Sheikh
Esa, and it will be for you to consider whether the best course would not be
to have a frank explanation with the Chief, and to let him know that his
dependence upon the British Government is not consistent with the permanent
disregard of the advice so frequently tendered to him in this matter; advice
which when thus seriously repeated, must be regarded as possessing the
authoritative character referred to in the ultimatum presented to him in
February last.
51
India Office, London ;
10th November 1905.
Secret,
Iso. 31.
To His Excellency the Right Honourable the Governor-General of
India in Council.
My Lord,
I have considered the Secret letter of the Government of India in the
Eorei^n Department of the 14th September last, No. 1/8, forwaiding papers
showin 0, the action taken in connection with the recent disturbances in Bahrein,
and submitting, for the approval of His Majesty’s Government, the draft of a
letter embodying the instructions which it was proposed to issue for the future
guidance of the Political Agent.
2. In the opinon of His Majesty’s Government, the time has not yet
arrived for defining in strict terms the position of the Sheikh of Bahrein
towards the protecting British Power; and the attributes of suzerainty set
forth in the draft letter, both as regards the Native States of India and the
State of Bahrein, are described in terms which cannot unreservedly he accepted
as correct. His Maiesty’s Government, therefore, consider that, m the present
circumstances, it will suffice that the Political authorities in tlie Persian Gulf
should be instructed to act, as is proposed in the 6th paragraph of the draft
letter by steadily, and, as far as possible, unobtrusively, increasing their
influence and the confidence of the Sheikh in their advice and power to direct
and control his external affairs.
3. With regard to the question of the management of the Customs, I
observe that it is proposed further to consult the Resident in the Gulf as to
the steps to be taken. The recommendations, which you may submit on the
receipt of his views, will receive full consideration.
4. A copy of correspondence * with
1 To Foreign Office, dated 20th October 1905^ ^ p ore ign Office 0D the Subject is
enclosed.
1 U r UI t II v/UiCC ) VACAV*. v* ^ v
From Foreign Office, dated 27th October 1905.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient, humble servant,
Sr. JOHN BRODRICK.