'File 19/165 III (C 24) Bahrain Reforms' [‎124r] (252/426)

We heard some time ago that thfe people Of Bahrain witt their Chief Shaikh
Tsa at their head had submitted their grievances t6 the Viceroy of India, which
report is now confirmed by what conversation we had "tvith Some respectable men
of Bahrain and they were Very anxiously awaiting are^ly to the said representation
hazarding their conjectures simultaneously in various ways.
We cannot but suggest to the benign British Government that the investiga
tions into the affairs of Bahrain should not terminate in asking report from the
antagonists only, when it is evident that they, possessing powers, can with threats
and inducements, rally false witnesses who may give evidence innocently with good
intentions in their own opinions. For this only reason we entreat the Government
to investigate into the case of Bahrain directly and under their immediate supervision,'
What a crucification of justice and humanity would it be should the Government,-
owing to their other encumbrances, postpone the trial of the case of the helpless,
melancholy and persecuted people of Bahrain indefinitely ; Bahrain to-day is rolling
in the lowest aWss of misery and disdain, awaiting rescue at the hands of the wisest
judge. His Excellency Lord Reading, the Viceroy of India. Will he disappoint
them ? Most probably not; but if lie did, which God forbid : and Bahrain became
the scene of action of the helpless desperates, then very likely it will be sard that
the people of Bahrain were fanatics and intolerant towards the people following,
other religions.
We do not intend here to repeat our obligations done to Great Britain by our
treatment of her in season and out of season for we do not seek for a favour in returny
nay we ask for justice and justice only.- We ask her to treat us according to the
pledge she herself had drafted and approved of.
We are aware that some individuals of the minor " Shia community at
Bahrain have abandoned their self-respect and are seeking after their selfish motives.
Hence Major Dell/ (vDaly) can easily make them tools in getting statements written
by them as may satisfy his desire.- But will the lovers of justice esteem it chival
rous and honourable? to take advantage of such a religious discord ? By God, stoop
ing to such ignoble? measures is a stigma on the forehead of humanity and a stain
of disgrace on the face of civilization/
Yours, etc.,
. " L
Enclosure No. 2. —Copy, op a confidential memorandum prom the Political
Agent, Bahrain', to the 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 The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , No.
110 -C., date]} the 14th MAY 1924.
I beg to forward herewith an article which has appeared in the ''Bonibay Chroni
cle." It is without doubt inspired, if not actually written, by the deportee Abdul
Wahab Zayani,- who, some months ago contributed a similar letter to tMs paper.
The grievances tdiich he now sets forth are interesting.
(1) The aerodrome.—Ai the Ruler's (Shaikh Hamad) request the aerodrome
was made in place of one which Shaikh Isa had agreed to, and made, some years
back. It was made because the Shaikh wanted to use the old aerodrome as a build
ing site. At his request I supervised the work in order that it might be carried out
in accordance with the advice of an Air Foio£ Officer who selected the site to which
Shaikh Hamad agreed. Labour was supplied by the Shaikh's order from various
surrounding villages. The villagers were paid and fed at the expense of the Shaikh's
Government. They have since several times offered to dO any more work should^
it be required, but no more is necessary! Shaikh Isa was not consulted as all
such matters are now dealt with by Shaikh Hamad.
(2) Boat Tax.—An initial registration fee of.Rs. o for all boats except small
fishing boats, has been .collected by the Shaikh's'Governmerib. R-enewals cost Rs. 2
annually! #
Pearling licenses of Rs. 200, Rs. 100 and Rs. 75 according to size of boat have
similarly been issued for boats actually engaged in the pearling. This tax amounts
lo less than half the tax collected at Kuwait, Qatar or Qatif. It is now collected
Ifom all classes whereas, in the past a much heavier tax was collected from Shiah^