'File 19/109 II (C 17) Bahrain: Relations of Chief with other Foreign Powers' [‎111v] (228/534)

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In 1872 Shaikh 'Isa expressed a wish to re-establish a garrison in Zuhara
and check the intrigues of his relative Nasir-bin-Mubarak. Colonel Ross re
ported to C-rovemment that in his opinion the Chief had not the power to pro
tect the tribes residing in Qatar and ha <i advised him 10 remain neutral.
In 1875 the Government of India definitely warned the Shaikh of Bahrein that
the consequences would be upon himself if he became involved in the mainland.
To this the Shaikh replied that he submitted to the orders of Government,
frut did not consider his l ights to Qatar invalid or extinct'in consequence.
In 1879 Shaikh Mohamed bin Thani died and Shaikh Jasim bin Thani
succeeded.
In 1890 Shaikh Jasim intrigued to get a Turkish garrison in Zubiira and
El Qatar and from then onward for several years negotiations passed between
Bis Majesty's Government and the Porte to evacuate these Turkish ports.
In 1895 a division of thd A1 bin Ali under Shaikh Sultan bin Salama tied
from Shaikh 'Isa to Zubara where they were encouraged to settle by Shaikh
Jasim under the Turkish flag. A naval expedition went to Zubaia and a por
tion of the AI bin Ali were persuaded to return to Bahrein, the others went to
Bida.
In 190' Shaikh Ahmad bin Thani, who had succeeded Shaikh Jasirn, wished
to come under the protection of the British Government, but, owing to pressure
from the Foreign Office and the Ambassador at the Porte, the project of making
the arrangement fell through.
Metnorandum No. 176 ; dated Bahrein, the 6th December 1919, (Confidential.)
From— Major H. R. P. Dickson , C.I.E., Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , Bahrein,
To—The Deputy 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. , Bushire.
Beference the Civil Commissioner, Baghdad's No. dated 31st October
19J9, copy to me.
I fear I am not,in a very good position to offer criticisms on the three
points raised by Shaikh Abdullah bin Isa al Khalifah, as I have only
recently taken over charge of political affairs at Bahrein. What views I do,
therefore, put forward must of necessity be those of one lacking experience in
the affairs of the Islands and I trust due allowance will be made for discrepan
cies, and possibly false conclusions.
Before making any remarks on the three points raised, I should like to
make some general observations on the attitude in general of Shaikh Sir Isa
bin Ali al Khalifah and his sons as they have struck me newly arrived as I
have in Bahrein.
Prom conversations I have had with both Shaikh 'Isa and his sons on
different occasions, I gather that ihey are rather unnecessarily filled with ideas
of their own importance.
The recent world talk of the " Bights of small nations" and President
Wilson's utterances regarding the policy of self-determination, etc., would seem
to have had its effect on the mentality of the ruling house in Bahrein. I have
since my arrival been frequently reminded by Shaikh Isa that " Great Britain
never interferes in our affairs'*—such pointed phrases as the " Hakumat al
Bahrein''—the u Malika of Bahrein " (the Shaikh's wife) ** Kul Dowlah fi
huriatiha," etc., have become rather common of late. There would appear to
be an idea abroad that the hand of His Majesty's Government in future is
going to be much more lightly felt, and that a much larger measure of in
dependence than heretofore is to be granted to the Euler of Bahrein and other
Arab Bulers. This feeling has been fostered than otherwise I think by the
recent amendments to the Order-in-Council regarding the Shaikh's control
over subjects of neighbouring Arab States.
D. M. PHASER,
Ist Assistant Resident.