'File XXII 4 Koweit relations with Bahrain.' [‎27r] (53/106)

[Confidential.']
No. 30, dated Bushire, the 21st (received 30th) January 1906.
From—MAJOR P. Z. Cox, C.I.E., 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.
With reference to Foreign Department letter No. 904-E., dated 7fch May
1903, I have the honour to forward, for the consideration of the Government
No. 456, dated 28 rd December 1905 , with of India, copy of a communication
Bahrein, which gives cover to a representation from Sheikh Esa’s outlawed
received from 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. at
i- N/ ‘3^%
cousin Nasir bin Mubarak, begging that the British Government will
intervene in order to effect a reconciliation between himself and the Ruler of
Bahrein.
For convenience of perusal I have interpolated among the enclosures of
Captain Prideaux’s report copies of Nasir bin Mubarak’s letter to me of 8th
<'•' May last and of my letter No. 802, dated 13th June, communicating my
instructions to 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. in regard thereto.
2. With such an ensanguined basis as it has, I am inclined to think that
the hatred which Sheikh Esa bears towards his cousin is too natural and bitter
to admit of reasonable hope that any bond fide reconciliation is possible
between the families during the lifetime of the present Ruler; and that it
would save us trouble rather to let matters remain as they are than to take
action, which if it had the effect of making way for Nasir’s return to Bahrein,
would introduce into the principality a probable element of unrest or difficulty
which does not now exist.
I have little doubt that any overtures from us in this direction would be
unpalatable to Sheikh Esa; still more so would be the necessity for suitable
pecuniary allowances which would be an inevitable corollary of such
intervention.
3. Primarily, therefore, I would be inclined to suggest that we continue to
stand aloof, and inform Nasir bin Mubarak that in view of the past, the
Government of India do not consider that they have sufficient grounds for
intervening in order to press a reconciliation upon Sheikh Esa, but that in
saying this they wish in no way to discourage him from making such friendly
efforts on his own Jghalf to arrive at a reconciliation with his cousin as may
seem good to him. v, ‘ ^
4. If, however, in view of Nasir’s friendly meeting and peaceable overtures
to Captain Prideaux, the Government of India would prefer to adopt a some
what more benevolent attitude towards him, I see no great objection to our
asking Sheikh Esa if he would be prepared to entertain proposals for reconci
liation if made through us. On the whole, however, I am inclined to doubt the
practical wisdom of such a course.
Translation of letter from Nasir bin Mubarak bin Abdallah al Khalipah, to Colonel
Kemball, British 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. and Consul-General, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , dated the 3rd
Rabial Awal 1323 Hijri (8th May 1905).
\ I beg to state the following for favour of your kind consideration and
You are aware that I am of the Al Abdallah, and it is a matter of
common knowledge that I have landed interests in Bahrein. The Turkish
Government approached me, years ago, with the request that I should sell to
them my rights in Bahrein, but that could not be arranged. Afterwards I
is the right of Sovereignty in Bahrein.
But now since lam assured that Bahrein has come under British protec
tion, and I respect British Authority. I have said truce to all thoughts of
assailing Bahrein. Sheikh Esa has all this time been appropriating to himself
reply:—
thought that I should assail Bahrein, and decide by force of arms as to whose