File 1508/1905 Pt 1 'Bahrain: situation; disurbances (1904-1905); Sheikh Ali's surrender; Question of Administration Reforms (Customs etc)' [‎181r] (367/531)

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Telegram P., dated the 15th (received 16th) January 1905.
From— Majok P. Z. Cox, C.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 The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
To The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department, Calcutta.
Captain Prideaux had been asked for his opinion in regard to your
elegram No. 85-E. B., dated the 6th January 1905, and in the event of the
Jheikh refusing to comply with the order of Government, my reply thereto
suggested that the following threats might be tried prior to the ultimate one of
bombarding Muharrag: first, that our recognition of his son as heir apparent
may be withdrawn; second, that troops may be located in Bahrein at the
expense of the Sheikh or of ourselves; third that pending liquidation
a heavy fine with partial control over revenue may be imposed. The first I
agree with, but doubt whether it would have much effect by itself. I see no
advantage in the second except that so far it may prove absolutely necessary
for the safety of the European community. The third involves control over
Customs and would entail the location of troops also unless the Sheikh were
first subdued. In any case we might use the first threat incidentally, but I
think that the threat to shell the Sheikh’s residence in Muharrag if he does
not comply within a specified time, will be simplest plan and will prove
sufficient. Captain Prideaux also suggests consideration of the possible
expediency of the expulsion of the two troublesome Mullas. I doubt the
wisdom of demanding their expulsion now, but they might be warned to be
Telegram P., dated the 17th (received 18th) January 1905. ”
From —His Excellency Rear-Admiral G. L. Atkinson Willes, Naval Comman-
der-in-Chief, Trincomalee, East Indies,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department,
and Governor-General relative to the proposed hostile operations against
Bahrein if necessary to enforce Government of India’s demands. The Fox is
due at Bombay on the 19th January and will await these orders there.
JttrS Zl h Z\T mi °” ^ be£ ° M did n0t reach Bahrein in time t0 P reVent
C. Somers Cocks. the return of Sheikh Ali, but on the
circumspect in future. Government orders
the three weeks limit was up,
2nd February we shall demand his imme
diate deportation.
I have not yet received a requisition from His Excellency the Viceroy
4170 F. D.