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File 1508/1905 Pt 1 'Bahrain: situation; disurbances (1904-1905); Sheikh Ali's surrender; Question of Administration Reforms (Customs etc)' [‎6r] (16/531)

The record is made up of 1 volume (260 folios). It was created in Nov 1904-Aug 1914. 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. .

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I understand that both Captain Mackenzie and Major Knox spoke to you
about them, and I expect you will remember this.
Thirdly, one of the gentlemen mentioned in the reports is I have reason to
believe in a bad way financially. He has borrowed large sums of money from
British subjects and recently mortgaged a good deal of property.
As regards Ahmad bin Salman he is well known as one of the partners in a
most unsuccessful attempt to work as landing contractor. The Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. files are
full of complaints against him, many of which as you know were only settled
with great difficuly, and a few of which remain unsettled. I understand he left
Bahrain during his contract. Such a man is obviously quite unfitted to take up
Customs work.
Fourthly, for the above reasons merchants will not have any reliance on these
two persons and already British subjects have protested against the idea^ of their
being put in charge. 1 expect that you would find that the majority of
merchants of all class are against the change. The Customs and landing
arrangements have gradually been regularised after years of trouble and the
introduction of inexperienced Customs farmers would throw them back into the
old bad conditions from the merchants’ point of view.
Fifthly, the present landing arrangements which have been introduced with the
approval of the High Government and which are working smoothly will be thrown
into confusion, and neither of the persons supposed to be going to take over the
Customs, having been previously unacceptable as landing contractors, could be
accepted as Warehouse Superintendent.
I have to say, therefore, that I cannot agree to the arrangement, which is
said to be proposed, and I am sure that the High Government will not accept
the arrangement either, and will, in fact, view it with grave disapproval. A large
portion of the trade of Bahrain is done by British merchants and by far the greater
portion of the cargojcomes in British steamers, and I am sure that the Government
would not regard such a retrograde step, as that rumoured to be contemplated,
with equanimity.
I, therefore, warn you formally not to hand over the Customs on contract to
the two individuals named nor to any other quite inexperienced persons.
I sincerely hope that you will accept my advice and make no change in the
present Customs arrangements which are running very smoothly beyond ordering
a strict system of accounts, etc. But if you are determined in a change I request
that you will not make one at once but wait until I have had time to refer the
matter to the Resident.
It is my duty to warn you that should you disregard my advice in this
affair it is likely, in my opinion, to have serious results.
I regret that this question should have been raised just as l am going away,
and as a departing friend I urge you in your own interests to accept my advice
about this matter.
This is what had to be said. May you be preserved and salams.
Enclosure No. 2.
Translation of a letter, dated 24th Januidi Ath Thani 1332 (20th
from Shaikh ha bin Alt Al Khalifah, Buler of Bahrain, to
Jrevor, C. 1 . 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.
May 1914),
Major A. P*
1 have received your esteemed letter No. 54*. dated the 20th Jamadi Ath
1 havereceiveo yo arding the last conversation with your honour
t a he time o your visit fo me about thf Customs and beg to inform you that out
the time y , « t A d j ^ now lts requirements fully. I
....... b. —,d.^
reserved and salams.

About this item

Content

The volume contains correspondence relating to disturbances in Bahrain and the consequent discussion over administrative changes. The correspondence is mostly between the 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. , the Foreign Office, and the Government of India. Further correspondence, included as enclosures, is from the following:

The disturbances centred around attacks on a German man and several Persians by Shaikh Isa's nephew, Ali bin Ahmed, and his followers in late 1904. The papers within the volume cover several matters related to these attacks:

  • the investigation into the details of the attacks;
  • the discussion over what to do about Ali bin Ahmed and his eventual exile;
  • British naval operations to enforce order;
  • Turkish claims that Shaikh Isa believes himself to be a Turkish subject;
  • the discussion over increased administrative intervention in Bahrain, specifically control of customs.
Extent and format
1 volume (260 folios)
Arrangement

The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the rear to the front of the volume.

The subject 1508 (Bahrain) consists of three volumes, IOR/L/PS/10/81-83. The volumes are divided into five parts, with parts 1 and 2 comprising one volume each, and parts 3, 4, and 5 comprising the third volume.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 262; 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. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.

Written in
English and French in Latin script
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File 1508/1905 Pt 1 'Bahrain: situation; disurbances (1904-1905); Sheikh Ali's surrender; Question of Administration Reforms (Customs etc)' [‎6r] (16/531), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/10/81, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100027013012.0x000011> [accessed 28 March 2024]

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