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'Memorandum on Bahrein' [7v] (14/62)
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. .
Transcription
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14
Resident " had exercised a wise discretion in not taking any step for the negotia
tion of a new treaty with Bahrein/' The Resident was, at the same time,
authorised, while avoiding discussion with the Turks, to ascertain whether the
Sheikh was inclined to enter into a closer connection with Her Majesty's
Government.
Lor. I, 882.
Bombay
Selections,
XXTV, 429.
India Bd. to
F.O., 3.2.1851.
India Bd. to
F.O. 26.7.1849.
Hertslet, 9.
Teh. Desp.
No. 15,
17.2.1848.
Teh. Desp.
No. 11,
2.5.1848.
F.O. to I.O.
11.6.1849.
Sheikhs Request to be taken under British Protection Refused (1849).
56. In January 1849, however, the Sheikh spontaneously asked to be taken
under British protection. The Resident, who, as stated above, had originally
opposed, ultimately supported this request, but after a lengthy discussion the
Government of India and Her Majesty's Government agreed that a change of
policy was inexpedient, and the Resident was instructed in September 1849 to
decline the Sheikh's overtures, but to assure him of the continuance of the good
will and friendship of Her Majesty's Government.
Persian Protest, 1848
57. During the course of these discussions, the Persian Government pro
tested against British interference in the affairs of Bahrein, whereupon they
were informed by the Minister at Tehran in February 1848 that the British
Government were unable to recognise as valid the claims advanced by Persia to
the sovereignty of Bahrein.
Designs of Muscat, 1849
58. In June 1849 the Imam of Muscat, having intimated his desire to send
an expedition to take possession of Bahrein, and having asked the opinion of Her
Majesty's Government, was strongly dissuaded from doing so by Her Majesty's
Government.
Summary, 1840-50
59. The ruling Sheikh was expelled in 1843 and continued to intrigue to
regain the throne till his death in 1849, appealing for assistance during this
period to the Wahabis, Persia, Muscat and Great Britain, in all cases
unsuccessfully.
In 1847 Turkey asserted a claim to Bahrein. In the same year the islands
submitted themselves to the Wahabi Amir and agreed to pay tribute to him.
Claims by Persia were advanced, but rejected, in 1844r-45 and 1848.
Muscat was dissuaded from attacking Bahrein in 1849.
Her Majesty's Government, on consideration of the policy to be adopted in
regard to Bahrein, decided against establishing a protectorate and refused a
request put forward in 1849 by the Sheikh to be taken under British protection.
They assured him at the same time of their general goodwill, and their
deliberations made it clear that they regarded the island as independent, but
were reluctant to assume further responsibility in relation to it so long as its
independence and the performance of the engagements undertaken by the Sheikh
could be secured without their doing so.
YIL—1850 61
Disputes with Wahabis, 1850-51
60. In 1850 the Resident found it necessary to take disciplinary action
against the ruling Sheikh—an individual of " irresponsible character." Conse
quent on strained relations between the Sheikh and the Wahabi Amir, the Amir,
Lor. I, 884. with whom the sons of the ex-Sheikh Abdullah were associated, in 1850-51
threatened Bahrein, whereupon the Sheikh " against his own better judgment. . . .
tendered a small annual tribute to the Amir," a circumstance from which it may
perhaps be inferred that he had failed to observe the agreement of 1847
referred to in paragraph 50 above. The Amir rejected the offer and made
exorbitant demands instead. The Sheikh was about to succumb to a combination
of the sons of the ex-Sheikh and the Wahabi Amir " when a British squadron
arriving off Bahrein took the islands under their protection." Peace was subse
quently made with the Wahabis in July 1851.
Her Majesty's Government and the Claims of Turkey (1851)
F.O. to 01, In the same year Her Majesty's Government decided that the Turkish
24.it85i d '' Government should be informed at' Constantinople that Her Majesty's Govern
ment, having heard that the Sheikh was desirous of placing himself under
About this item
- 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 View the complete information for this record
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Copyright: How to use this content
- Reference
- IOR/L/PS/18/B485
- Title
- 'Memorandum on Bahrein'
- Pages
- 1r:21v, 25v:26v, 30r:31v
- Author
- East India Company, the Board of Control, the India Office, or other British Government Department
- Usage terms
- Open Government Licence