'File 19/12 Bahrain, Precis of Zobara Affairs in 1895' [‎67r] (139/230)

in communication with Her Majesty's Secretary of State on the whole
question, and of the international considerations which, in their opinion, may he
involved. I woi^ld accordingly ask that my suggestion be taken rather as one
for a course which appears to me direct and practicable in the event of a
decision to adopt extreme measures, than as distinct proposal in the existing
circumstances. I would submit then that after such communication to the
Porte as may be deemed fit Shaikh Jasim's relation to that Government should
be ignored, and that in view of his wanton association of himself with matters
between Bahrein and a section of its disaffected people, and in pursuance of the
deliberate warning addressed to him at the outset of the present difficulty, he
should be directly dealt with. That an ultimatum should be addressed to him
demanding the instant restoration of the Bahrein boats unwarrantably held in
detention at Zobarah, and his withdrawal together with his followers and any
Bedouins or others under his influence, from Zobarah and its immediate neigh
bourhood, on pain of operations by force of arras to be directed against him on
or after a given date, whatever might be decided, including Al-Bidaa.
Prom a careful study of the chart, and my observation at a former visit
to the locality, as well as from other sources of information, I have been led to
the conclusion that Al-Bidaa is one of the few places on the Arab coast of the
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , which is especially liable to etfective naval attack without mili
tary support. The presence of a detachment of Turkish troops is the only
objection,—and that from a political rather than a military point of view, of
which I am aware,—to operations against Al-Bidaa. These troops might be
called upon to retire before the operations against Jasim. Zobarah is not so open
to attack, owing to shoal water, but might nevertheless be probably effectively
shelled from the sea.
Dated Bahrein, the 22nd August 1895.
l/ From— Captain J. H. Pelly , Commander and Senior Officer,
To—Colonel F. A. Wilson , Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire.
I have the honour to further inform you as follows
The messenger who took my letter concerning Shaikh Salim's family, was
warned by the Commander of the Zuhaf not to appear at Zobarah again, and
in consequence Shaikh Esa thought it inadvisable to send my second letter there
concerning the reported act of piracy.
I have received an answer to my first letter, a copy of which I enclose,
desiring me in future to address the Mutasarrif of El-Hasa.
It is reported that the pirate Ahmad-bin -Salman has seized a pearling
boat belonging to Jasim's following.
Authentic news has been received that the Zuhaf left Zobarah on the
morning of the 19th and reached Katif on the following day.
It is rumoured that the Mutasarrif has written to Jasim warning him
against attacking Bahrein, also to the Commander of the Zuhaf and to the
Mudir to prevent Jasim in any attempt upon Bahrein.
Shaikh Esa has received a letter from El-Hasa stating that the Mutasarrif
has written to Nasir-bin-Mubarak, demanding the arrest of the pirate Ahmad-
hin-Salman, but Nasir replied to the effect that this man is a Bahreini.
Coal lighters have just arrived and I intend coaling to-morrow.
Dated Zobarah, the 13th August 1895.
From' — D jemal , Commander, H. I. O. M. Ship Zuhaf,
To C aptain J, H. Pelly , Commander, H. M. S. Sphinx.
I received your letter, dated the 12th instant, and I understand that the wife
and family of Salim -bin-Hamad are enjoying themselves, in good health and
behaved very well, and they do not wish whatever to return to Bahrein.
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