'Annual Report on the Administration of the Persian Gulf Political Residency and Muscat Political Agency for the Year 1874-75.' [‎50r] (7/46)

AND MUSCAT POLITICAL AGENCY An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. FOR THE YEAR 1874-75.
3
al)lc to lay claim to victory; and if in one foray booty was acquired, the
advantage was pretty sure to be counterbalanced by loss in the next.
But the injury done to the commercial prosperity and general welfare
ot the countries engaged in these incessant wars is deplorable. Just at
present there is a cessation of hostilities, but the hitherto existing
inimical attitude is maintained by all the belligerents, with the exception
oi the Chieltains of Shargah and Umm-el-Keiwein, who are stated to
have negotiated a truce.
A temporary peace might be arranged among all the Chiefs if the
Shargah Ruler would pay certain sums of money claimed by the Debaye
Chief, for between these two exists a greater amount of ill-feeling than
others. It is to be regretted that the friendly offices of the
utish Agent and the Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. to procure an amicable adjustment of
f icse differences have hitherto been unproductive of successful results.
The Maritime Trnice.
\\ ith reference to their relations with the British Government, the
Chiefs have acted up to their trucial engagements, and no difficulty has
been experienced in settling matters connected with the rights and pros
perity of British subjects residing in their dominions. In the month of
November the Resident visited the Arab Coast and had interviews with
several of the Chieftains. A few minor cases of irregularities com
mitted at sea have been satisfactorily disposed of, and it is clearly to be
inferred from the general conduct and demeanour of the Arab Chiefs
that they have no desire to deviate from the general policy laid down by
Government.
Such occasional irregularities as have occurred have not been of a
nature to throw any doubt on this opinion. Past experience too has
taught the Chiefs that the British Government, whilst avoiding unneces
sary interference with their affairs, is able and ready, when the necessity
occurs, to enforce Treaty obligations and suppress disorder and lawless
aggressions in these waters.
Weather and Winds.
It is during the winter months that violent winds prevail in the
Gulf. In summer the weather is usually fine with but very little or no
rain, and the sea calm. At this season the pearl-fishery is carried on.
But very few native craft have been wrecked during the year which has
been remarkably free from strong gales and tempestuous weather.
Bahrein.
The state of affairs at Bahrein has of late occasioned a great deal of
anxiety, and the continuous presence of a vessel of war in its waters has
been deemed advisable. A resume of the events that occurred may not
be out of place. The trade and wealth of Bahrein are centred in its two
principal towns, Manameh and Mubarrak, and these places being desti
tute of walls or fortifications, and the Chief, Shtykh Esau, having
neither armed men in his service (beyond a small body-guard) nor mu
nitions of war, they appear an easy and tempting prey to any wander
ing horde of Bedouin robbers who may be able to obtain craft of light