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'File 19/165 III (C 24) Bahrain Reforms' [‎61v] (129/426)

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The record is made up of 1 file (208 folios). It was created in 2 Jan 1924-13 Aug 1925. 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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4
i
carrying them out, or even desirous of introducing them. The most practical
way of doing so would be to take over the Government ourselves for a time,
nominatinsr one of Sheikh Hamad's youngsters as Sheikh to succeed to lull
powers alter his education had been undertaken in India or elsewhere. I
presume, however, that it is politically undesirable to do anything of the sort
or even to introduce too many British officials into the administration , so J
presume the only thing to do is to continue to try and make bricks without
straw. , ^ , . c,. ,
12. In conclusion, I may observe again that the Bahrein Shiah commu
nity after years of oppression are absolutely incapable ol doing ain thing for
themselves and can only petition us ai d whine. It they had banded together
and resisted the oppression of the Khalifah iamily I think they could have
done a great deal long ago. Even when they made a lew demonstiations a
couple of years ago Sheikh Isa became quite alarmed and was quite prepared to
make some concessions.
This being the case, our task in Bahrein of bolstering up a ruling family,
which cannot rule justly or efficiently, and of helping at the same time a
community which cannot help themselves is an extremely thankless one.
Telegram from ihe Bahreini Communitt, Bahrein, to the Political
Eesident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Btjshire, dated the 15th January
1924
Sheikh Hamad read to us a letter written to 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. that he can
do nothing. Hopeless Trusting necessary assistance. Quickly 1 Quickly !!
Tvauslation of a, letter pvesentsd to the JPoJitical Agent, Jjohrein, on 13th
January 1924 by representatives of the Shiah Community of Bahrein.
Jfter compliments, etc. —It is not hidden from Your Excellency that for
years the Arabs ^Sunnis) have committed crimes against the Baharneh, such
as murder, looting, etc., and many times we have come to you supplicating
and begging for justice between them and the oppressed, but we see no
attentkm from you in the matter and for this reason the crimes of the evil
doers have increased, and this is not in conformity with your justice. N ever
theless we are not hopeless of obtaining your mercy and the mercy of the
High Government.
Though the Buharneh of these Islands number not less than one hundred
and sixty thousand persons, yet shou'd only ten of these remain we will not
cease to claim our rights against those who have murdered our compatriots
without their having committed any offence. The eyes of the community are
set upon the High Govemmeit, waiting for her compassion.
In order to complete our supplication we send herewith a petition explain
ing the outrages which have occurred and the dreadful crimes of the past and
present.
In conclusion, we beg Your Excellency to send it to the Hon'ble
Colonel Trevor at Bushire, ijuiekly, that he may send it to the Government of
His Majesty the King and send us a definite answer and issue the necessary
orders to ensure our protection and to remove oppression and obtain for us
redress from the oppressors, as we have stated in our petitions.
If, God forbid 1 Your Excellency should fail in this, or not strive in th«
matter, w e must be compelled to take more definite steps such as the despatch
of our leaders to the throne of His JVlajesty the King. You know best aud
peace be upon you 1
This petition is from all the Bahreini Community. Dated Tth Jamadi al
Thani 1312.
Signed by seven headmen of the Bahrein Shiah Community'

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Content

File includes correspondence related to a number of topics including a request to the Governor General of Sudan for a copy of Sudan's Penal Code, correspondence between Abdul Wahab Zayani (Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa’s Attorney in exile in Bombay) and the Political Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. in Bahrain, reports of Sunni violence against the Shia community in Bahrain, discussion regarding the need for a levy corps in Bahrain, discussion on where and how Shaikh Hamad bin Isa’s younger children should be educated, correspondence between Bushire, Bahrain and the Government of India regarding the extent of reforms in Bahrain and the nature of Britain’s role in the country.

The movements of an Egyptian journalist (Ahmed Rifaat) in the region are also mentioned as are several other matters in brief. The file also includes a letter from Herbert Samuel, the British High Commissioner in Palestine that reports news that King Hussein had heard about the removal of Isa as ruler and expressed his concern that it could cause unrest.

Extent and format
1 file (208 folios)
Arrangement

Arranged in chronological order, from earliest at beginning of file to latest at end.

Physical characteristics

A bound correspondence file. The volume is foliated from the front cover to back cover, with small uncircled numbers in the top-right corner of each front-facing page. Some folios originally missed out have had letters added, e.g. 1a. 1b etc.

Written in
English and Arabic in Latin and Arabic script
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'File 19/165 III (C 24) Bahrain Reforms' [‎61v] (129/426), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/R/15/1/339, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100024110738.0x000080> [accessed 28 March 2024]

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