'File 19/12 Bahrain, Precis of Zobara Affairs in 1895' [‎95r] (197/230)

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Dated Buslure, the '21th June 1895.
From—The 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 Gvlf, Bush re,
To—The Foreign Secretary, Simla.
Your telegram of 13th June last. Mutassarif after visiting Busrali re
turned flasa, 6th June last. Mudir established Zobarah with 6 soldiers and flag.
Withdrawal Turkish meddling will probably be settlement of difficulty.
Otherwise seizure boats pearling to the north-east of Katr, reported practicable,
in my opinion, effective and the proper course. I have written by
last mail.
Enclosure to letter No. 29, dated the 24th May 1895, from the Assistant Secretary, Political and
Secret Department, India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. , London.
Dated India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. , the 22nd May 1895.
From—The Under-Secretary of State, India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. ,
To—The Under-Secretary of State, Foreign Office.
With reference to the correspondence ending with Sir T. Sanderson's
letter ol the 24th March 1894, I am desired by
ridep*?* ice, Voiame x, Aitcbi- Fowler to inform you that the Political Resi-
•ou 8 i reaties. -i-.. , „
dent in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. reported on the 17th
April that the Albin-Ali tribe, a branch of the Uttobees, who made them
selves masters of Bahrein in 1783, have deserted and are forming a settlement at
Zobarah with the support of Shaikh Jasim of liidaa.
2. The Government of India authorised the Resident to warn Shaikh
Jasim that the settlement would not be allowed, and the Resident reports that
a Turkish official, the Mutasarrif of Hasa has gone to Zobarah and the settle
ment is being pushed on, Shaikh Jasim acting in concert with the Mutasarrif,
who is preparing to hoist the Turkish flag.
3. The Resident wishes to enforce the warning by seizing the Albin Ali's
boats. The Government of India say that this might raise the question of
the Turkish jurisdiction in El-Katr. The settlement at Zobarah is, however, a
menace to Bahrein ; and if Her Majesty's Government permit, the Viceroy
would authorise the Resident to act as he has proposed.
4. In accordance with the policy pursued in 1891, Mr. Fowler proposes,
with the concurrence of the Earl of Kimberley, to
^ Letter to F or eig n Offie®, 8tb Artist sanction the seizure of the boats of the Albin-Ali
if that tribe persists in effecting a settlement at
Zobarah.
5. I am to add that a further telegram dated 21st May, of which a copy
is enclosed, has been received from the Viceroy stating that it is reported that
the Mudir (of El-Bidaa ?) with some Turkish troops sent by the Mutasarrif
arrived at Zobarah during the past week.
6. This military movement constitutes a serious menace to Bahrein; and
as the Porte has been repeatedly informed that Bahrein is under British pro
tection, Mr. Fowler is of opinion that the Porte should be warned that mea
sures will be taken to protect the Chief of Bahrein from Turkish aggression.
Telegram No. 1303-E., dated Simla, the 3rd July 1895.
From—The Foreign Secretary, Simla,
To—The 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,
Zobarah. Please issue strict orders to Shaikh Sultan to return immediately
with his tribe to Bahrein, and to his allegiance to Bahrien Chief, warning him
that if this is not done at once active measures will be no longer delayed. This
order may be taken by the Sphinx, and if after a reasonable time the order is
not obeyed. Sphinx may seize boats.