'Treaties and Undertakings etc in force between the British Government and the Rulers of Bahrain, 1820-1914' [‎29v] (58/146)

6
No. 5.
i
TERMS OF A FUIENDLY CONVENTION ENTERED INTO BETWEEN
SHAIKH MAHOMED BIN KHALIFAH, INDEPENDENT
RULER OF BAHRAIN, ON THE PART OF HIMSELF AND
SUCCESSORS. AND CAPTAIN FELIX JONES, HER MAJESTY'S
INDIAN NAVY, 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. OF HER BRITANNIC
MAJESTY IN THE GULF OF PERSIA, ON THE PART OF
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, 1861.
Preliminary. —Considering the tribe disorders which arise and are nerne
tnated from maritime aggressions in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , I, Shaikh Mahomed bin
Khahfah, independent ruler of Bahrain, on my own part and on that of mv
heirs and successors, in the presence of the Chiefs and elders who are witnesses
to this document, do subscribe and agree to a perpetual Treaty of peace and
friendship with the British Government, having for its object the advance
meat of trade and the security of all classes of people navigating or residins?
upon the coasts of this sea:— 0
A rticle 1.
I recognize as valid and in force all former Treaties and Conventions
agreed to between the Chiefs of Bahrain and the British Government, either
direct or through the mediation of its representatives in this Gulf.
A eticle 2.
I agree to abstain from all maritime aggressions of every description, from
the prosecution erf war, piracy, and slavery by sea, so long as I receive the
support of the British Government in the maintenance of the security of my
own possessions against similar aggressions directed against them bv the Chiefs
and tribes of this Gulf.
A rticle 3.
In order that the above engagements may be fulfilled I agree to make
known all aggressions and depredations which may be designed, or have to
place at sea, against myself, territories, or subject, as early as possible, to the
British Eesident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , as the arbitrator in such cases, promising
that no act of aggression or retaliation shall be committed at sea by Bahrains or
in the name of Bahrain, by myself or others under me, on other tribe, without
his consent or that of the British Government, if it should be necessary to
procure it. And the British Eesident engages that he will forthwith take the
necessary steps for obtaining reparation for every injury proved to have been
inflicted, or in course of infliction by sea upon Bahrain or upon its dependencies
in this Gulf. In like manner, I, Shaikh Mahomed bin Khalifah, will afford full
redress for all maritime offences which in justice can be charged against my
subjects or myself, as the ruler of Bahrain.
A rticle 4.
British subjects of every denomination, it is understood, may reside in, and
carry on their lawful trade in the territories of Bahrain, their goods beino-
subject only to an ad valorem duty of 5 per cent, in cash or in kind. This
amount once paid shall not be demanded again on the same goods if exported
from Bahrain to other places; and in respect to the treatment of British
subjects and dependants they shall receive the treatment and consideration of
the subject and dependants of the most favoured people. All offences which
they may commit, or which may be committed against them, shall be reserved
for the decisions of the British Eesident, provided the British Agent located at