Coll 30/33 'Persian Gulf, Trucial Coast. Policy of H.M.G. List of Trucial Sheikhs' [‎221r] (441/818)

powerful brother Muhammad bin Saqar - as the new Sheikh of
Khan immediately, and doubly to lock the door by
marrying him within 48 hours to niece of the murdered
Sheikh!
Sheikh Sultan has the reputation of being more
greedy than clever, but this little incident might take
an honourable place in any catalogue of murderous
intrigue. In one , coup t he rids himself of a tiresome
separatist, provides a sop for a powerful rival,
placates the offended populace by marrying the new man
to the old family and public opinion by executing the
murderer.
Nevertheless public opinion - guided by Abdur
Rahman - may not see the thing quite in this light.
Sultan is undoubtedly selfish and greedy and is not
popular. I am told that we may find in the near future
that the Sheikhdom of Khan was but a stepping stone to
the Sheikhdom of Sharjah. It remains to be seen whether
the next murderer will be double crossed too;
5. At Dabai there are no complications. The
Sheikas relatives think they should have a larger share
of his regular revenue. Shaikh Sa’id, who 'fchen pearls
were paying was poorer than they, thinks otherwise.
The Sheikh is concerned for the welfare of his dependants,
realising as he does that in the event of any accident
befalling him his cousin Mana* bin Rashid might well
succeed in place of his own son.
6. At Ajman the Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. Agent thought there was
unlikely to be any disturbances. The present Sheikh is
a strong man well able to keep order in his own house.
He is unlikely to aspire to any of the neighbouring
sheikhdoms, and if he did would not be welcomed owing to
being of a different tribe.
7. There has been no opportunity to check the
accuracy of the facts compilsing this report, and it is
requested therefore that it may be read with reserve
pending confirmation through political channels.
(Sd.) P.3. Smyth.
Commander in Command.
Commander-in-Chief,
East Indies.
Forwarded. This report, although it is uncheck-
led and only represents an opinion, is of interest and
I reflects a good picture of the intrigues which are a
permanent feature in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
(Sd.) J.V. Creagh.
CAPTAIN,
SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER,
PERSIAN GULF The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. *
"SHOREHAM" ,
at Khor Kuwai.
19th August 1934.