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'Memorandum on Bahrein' [‎2v] (4/62)

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The record is made up of 1 file (31 folios). It was created in 13 Jan 1947. It was written in English and French. The original is part of the British Library: 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. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity. .

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4
it seems probable that it was only very rarely of a definite character ; and even in
more recent periods Persian relations with the islands were for a substantial
number of years interrupted by Portuguese occupation of or overlordship over
them. It is, however, clear that Persia or a Persian vassal was in effective control
of the islands during the 30 years prior to the expulsion of the Persians by the
Arabs of the mainland in 1783.
III.—1783 1820. From the Expulsion of the Persians to the conclusion of the
Treaty of 1820 with His Majesty's Government
Bahrein pays Tribute to Persia, 1799
6. Projects by the Persian Government for the re-establishment of its
authority in Bahrein between 1783 and 1800 did not materialise. In 1799 the
Imam oi Muscat declared war on the I ttabis of Bahrein, who, alarmed by his
proceedings, opened a correspondence with the Persian Governor of Bushire, in
the course of which they stated that the island originally belonged to the Turkish
Grovernment but that it was many—about 70—years since the Turks had been in
Lor. i, 841 possession of it.( l ) He, on their offering to become tributary to Persia, proceeded
privately to Bahrein and received from them an instalment of revenue on account
of the preceding year.
Muscat occupies and loses Bahrein, 1800-01
7. In 1800 Bahrein was occupied by the Imam of Muscat, the occupation
lasting until 1801, when the Muscat forces were invested by the Uttabis and
compelled to surrender and evacuate Bahrein. In 1802 the' Imam of Muscat,
having obtained some assistance from Bushire, again landed in Bahrein and
attacked the I ttabis. The latter had, however, by now secured the support of
the Wahabi rulers of Central Arabia and the Muscat project was abandoned.
Bahrein under Wahahi influence, 1803-11
8. From lh03 to 1809 the L ttabis of Bahrein appear to have been under the
influence of the Wahabis (the Bombay Government declined to take action on an
enquiry made by them in 1805 as to whether, if they withdrew from the Arabian
g, of i. mainland and withheld their assistance from the Wahabis, the British Govern-
270 18 ment w oill d g ive ^em a ship or two to enable them to remain undisturbed at
para. 5. ' Bahrein) and they were under strict control by the Wahabi Government durino-
Lor. I, 842-:*. IglO-H. 5
Dispute with Muscat, 1816
Persian Envoy to Bahrein, 1816-17
9. In 1811 the islands were freed from Wahabi rule by the Imam of Muscat,
when the ( j ttabis were restored to power, though according to a claim
subsequently made by the Imam, in subordination to Muscat. In 1816 the Uttabis
sought the protection of the Wahabi rulers of Central Arabia, and the Imam of
Muscat undertook an armed expedition against Bahrein, explaining to the British
authorities that he was compelled so to act by the repudiation by the Uttabis of
his suzerainty, which they had admitted in 1811, by their alliance with the
Wahabis and by their piratical practices. The Muscat expedition, to which three
Bushire vessels were added by the Persian Government, effected a landing in the
summer of 1816, but was signally repulsed and withdrew. Unsuccessful
xxtv 1 - negotiations took place later in the same year between Muscat and the Persian
Government with a view to a fresh attempt on Bahrein. Subsequently, but
apparently in the same year, a Persian emissary, one Sikander Khan, arrived
in Bahrein, who accepted presents from the Sheikhs of Bahrein for the Prince
of Shiraz and conferred on them in return Persian Robes of Honour.
Teh. Desp. 1 ^ In A P ril 18 17 His Majesty's Minister in Persia reported the arrival
No. 6 of at Tehran of an agent from the Imam of Muscat, the object of whose mission was
credibly stated to be to inform the Shah that His Majesty's Government
contemplated the capture of Bahrein, and to ask for armed assistance for the
Imam in order that he might thwart their design by taking possession of the
O This was, of course, incorrect. Turkey does not appear to have held the island
1559 and then only for a few months.

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Content

This printed memorandum, produced by the Foreign Office, dated 13 Jan 1947, deals with the history of Bahrein [Bahrain] from the point of view of the political status of the islands at various periods and dates since 1783, and contains copies of related correspondence and discussions. The principal authorities quoted in the memorandum are listed on folio 1v and appear as references in the right or left hand margin. The memorandum includes an index on folio 1r and a list of appendices on folio 1v. The index contains the the following sections:

  • Geographical situation;
  • Bahrein priot to 1783;
  • 1783-1820;
  • 1820-30;
  • 1830-40;
  • 1840-50;
  • 1850-61;
  • 1861-67;
  • Discussion and Incidents, 1868-70;
  • 1870-80;
  • 1880-92. From the conclusion of the First to the conclusion of the Second Exclusive Agreement with Her Majesty's Government;
  • 1892-1913. From the Second Exclusive Agreement to the Anglo-Turkish Convention of 1913;
  • 1913-34;
  • Summary (A. Claims to or assertions of soverignty over Bahrein, 1783 to 1934. B. Basis of the Persian claim. C. Attitude of His Majesty's Government, 1820-1934);
  • Reference to Law Officers of the Crown;
  • Independent Status of Bahrein;
  • 1934-46 (Establishment of Naval Base at Bahrein; Persian Government's refusal to recognise visas and endoresments of Bahrein; Agreement between His Majesty's Government and the Saudi Arabian Government regarding Transit Dues at Bahrein; The Liabilities of His Majesty's Government in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ; Treatment of Bahreinis in Persia; Bahrein Nationality and Property Laws; Treatment of Persians in Bahrein; Postal Services between Persian and Bahrein; Persian Government decree regarding import of Petroleum Products from Bahrein; Remarks of the Persian Prime Minister to the United States Ambassador; Recent references to Bahrein in the Persian Press).

The memorandum is marked 'Confidential' and 'The Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government'.

Extent and format
1 file (31 folios)
Arrangement

The file contains an index and list of appendices (folio 1) which make reference to paragraph and page numbers.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover, and terminates at the inside back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio. Pagination: The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.

Written in
English and French in Latin script
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'Memorandum on Bahrein' [‎2v] (4/62), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/18/B485, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100023506165.0x000005> [accessed 28 March 2024]

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