Coll 30/70 'Bahrain: Amendment of contracts of Capt Parke, Commandant of Police, & Mr Belgrave, Adviser to the Sheikh of Bahrain: leave of Mr Belgrave, etc.' [‎16r] (31/379)

when children lost their lives as the police carried
out a surprise
- 3 -
the
an
imprisonment, which is correct in accei*dance
prevailing law for this purpose, while‘the other < ne
who enjoys the friendship of an autho ri ty ■ an<i- serves in
important department, w a s fined Rs.1000/- and. set free.
It must be clear that the one got the imprisonment is quite
wealthy and runs a well known firm in the country. So
it is clear that the country is left without a law so as
to enable Mr. Belgrave and his school to satisfy their own
feelings when a victim is caught, by varying their law
there and then on spot to cover the present demand.
P011 Clli COMial^BANT.
As a police commandant Mr. Belgrave has a vast
field to show his influence and overrule. Amongst the most
disgusting orders he had made a s a rule, the searching of
every Bahraini’s house at any time a policeman wishes
without any warning or searchwarrant. This is only to
please the Shaikh Mr. Belgrave pretending to be one of
the most careful moslems wanting to eradicate the habit
of drinking from Bahrain. It so happened on several
occasions^attack on certain houses during late hours at
night, hunting for liquors. Because of the kind control
of 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. here the foreigners do not suffer
from such an attitude. A search warrant must be obtained
from the Political Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. before any house can be raided _
and that warrant is not issued, but after careful study of
the matter and the importance attached to it. Prom this
your honour can imagine our state of affairs and that we
are not even left free in our own houses and we have no
personal liberty at all. The other appearance of savage
ness is the whipping of those who play gambling ’’publicly
in the "Wednesday” bazaar" a sort of punishment used in 'the
Middle Ages and still Mr. Belgrave the modem man applies
it here in the 20 th century. Certainly* he finds several
excuses by throwing such a blame on the Shaikh’s shoulders,
but this is not true as the Shaikh does not approve of such
a thing and if he does he must be taught better.
tfe think that your honour now have a clear picture
ot the conditions in Bahrain, so we request the Great Britain
to change this man and send to* us a true type of Englishman
who has wider knowledge and can handle things in a better
manner.
\
.Following are our immediate requests without which
we cannot be any better*- <
1. Releasing the present adviser and appointing •
another one limited to his own sphere.
XI 2. Appointing a capable Education Director and
setting his hands free to fulfil his own
responsibilities•
3. The present State Engineer is the right person
required for Bahrain, but should be given fuller
authority to handle his own job without inter
ference of others.
4. Forming of a Legislative Committee to compile a
Law for Bahrain and remain in power to supervise
the interior affairs and organisation.
5. Forming of a Labour Committee to safeguard the
interests of the labourers on the Islands.
We attach
help and assistance
quite essential for
grateful and most
ment. Certainly
nicely as Bahrain
his office.
the greatest of hope on your honour’s
over these points as all of these
Bahrain at present and we will be
thankful to you and to the British Govern-
removing of this man will smooth things
has suffered quite long enough during
are
very
We have the honour to be sir,
Your most obedient servants.
Bahrain island population.
p.t.o.