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'File 19/126 II (C 29) Bahrain Customs' [‎15r] (43/567)

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The record is made up of 1 volume (287 folios). It was created in 17 May 1914-18 Jun 1929. It was written in English and Arabic. 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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CONFIDENTIAL.
'11
No. 1753, dated Bushire, the 7th (received 15th) June 1914.
From — M ajor S. G, K nox, C .I .E., Officiating 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,
To—The Foreign Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and
Political Department^ Simla.
I have the honour to forward herewith, for the information of the Govern
ment of India, the translation of a letter from the Shaikh of Bahrain to Major
Trevor, late 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. , Bahrain, replying to the last letter of the series
forwarded under cover of my No. 1693, dated 4th June 1914, on the subject of a
proposed change in the Customs management at Bahrain.
2. The letter is of the usual Bahrain type. It will be noticed that it amounts
to a denial of the 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. 's right to be consulted in important changes
affecting the Customs management at Bahrain. As, however, the Government
of India is, so obviously in a position, should it, in its wisdom, consider it ex
pedient to do so, to impose its will in Bahrajn both in this and in other matters,
it seems a useless waste of time to continue the correspondence.
3. If, however, it is considered that such a challenge should not pass un
noticed, I would suggest that the 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. may be authorised to convey
to the Shaikh a message somewhat on the following lines:—
" Your letter of the 25th May 19T4 was forwarded by me, without comment,
in the usual course of office routine, to higher authority, and I have been
directed by the Resident to convey to you the following message from the
Government of India in reference thereto:—
' The Government of India expect that the Shaikh of Bahrain will con
sult their 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. on all important matters, especially
changes, connected with the Customs management at Bahrain.
They will not hesitate to interfere in such matters, should such
interference appear called for in their care for the important com
mercial interests, both British and Foreign, which they have in
charge at that place.' "
Enclosure.
Translation of a letter dated the jgth Jamadi Ath Thani 7332 (=:2^th May
7914) from Shaikh Isa bin Ali Ai Khalifah, Chief of Bahrain^ to Major
A. P. Trevor, 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. , Bahrain*
I have received your esteemed letter No. 565, dated the 24th Jamadi Ath
Thani 133 2 ( = 20th May I9 I 4) regarding the question of the Customs and beg to
say that I do not see the suitability of again opening the discussion about this
question because it ended, just as I mentioned to you in my letter dated the
24th Jamadi Ath Thani 1332 that nothing topk place out of what you had heard.
The real fact is that that last conversation with your honour was an unofficial
talk and it had nothing to do with the official business. Had it been official I
should have written to you a letter officially. I know the requirement and
interest of my Government and I have also the right of changing and replacing
the officials^ of the office of my Customs when 1 see necessity for that. I have
confidence in the good intentions of the High Government that they would not
like interference in matters specialised for my Government. I also do not
ignore the points for the objections of the British Government as laid down
in the agreements entered into with them. I do safeguard with the utmost care
their authority and friendship. That is what was to be explained. May you be
preserved and salaams.
C61FD— 44~-24»6 14 —GCBP Simla

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Content

This file contains correspondence related to the administration of the Customs House in Bahrain from 1914 until 1929.

The earlier correspondence relates to a disagreement between Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa and Bin Saud regarding tariff charges on goods entering and leaving Bahrain from the mainland.

The bulk of the correspondence discusses Claude De Grenier, who was appointed Director of Customs in Bahrain in 1923.

The details of De Grenier's appointment (including the contract agreed between him and Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa) and his performance in the job (which was heavily criticised) are both discussed at length.

Extent and format
1 volume (287 folios)
Arrangement

File is arranged in chronological order, from earliest at beginning of the file to most recent at end.

Physical characteristics

Formerly a bound correspondence volume, the file's pages have been unbound and are now loose.

The foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the spine (which is loose); these numbers are written in pencil and may be found 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. Foliation errors: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F and 1G; 3A, 3B and 3C; 74A and 74B; 143A and 143B; 203A and 203B; 216A and 216B; 234A, 234B and 234C.

Foliation omissions: ff 199-200

Written in
English and Arabic in Latin and Arabic script
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'File 19/126 II (C 29) Bahrain Customs' [‎15r] (43/567), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/R/15/1/331, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100023879969.0x00002d> [accessed 28 March 2024]

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