File 1508/1905 Pt 1 'Bahrain: situation; disurbances (1904-1905); Sheikh Ali's surrender; Question of Administration Reforms (Customs etc)' [‎7r] (18/531)

CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 1753 , dated Bushire, the 7 th (received 15 th) June 1914 .'
From— Major S G. Knox, G.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’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 Bahrain 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 1914 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 39th Jamadi Ath Thani 1332 (=z25th May
1914) from Shaikh Isa bin Ali At Khalifah, Chief of Bahrain } to Major
A. P. Trevor^ C.LE. % 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. 560, dated the 24th Jamadi Ath
Thani 1332 ( = 2Qth May 1914) 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 took 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 I 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.
C6JFD—44—24*6 14-GCBP Simla