File 522/1922 Pt 4 'Persian Gulf: Bahrein: Internal' [‎110r] (224/616)

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but Shaikh Isa’s wife, the mother of Abdulla, kept such a tight hand over things
that Shaikh Hamad was powerless to make any changes.
In December 1921 discontent in Bahrain had reached such a pitch that, as the
Resident reported to the Government of India, a deputation of Bahrainis presented
him with an appeal against the tyranny existing.
The Resident, Colonel Trevor, suggested 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. should be
authorised to intervene in cases of glaring tyranny and to give individual protection
pending enquiry when necessary.
31. Shaikhs Hamad and Abdulla took alarm at the attitude of the people and
on the llfch April 1922 Major Daly was able to report that the’Shaikhs appeared
anxious for reform as the Shiahs were becoming restive. He had warned Shaikh
Isa that he could expect no assistance in the event of disturbances.
He also reported that orders had been passed for the opening of a Government
office with two regular clerks for dealing with public business and that a regular
court had been established for the disposal of cases.
32. On this the Government informed the Resident that they did not desire
to be drawn into interference between the ruler of Bahrain and his subjects
that nothing should be done to encourage the idea that the reforms were being
introduced at Government dictation.
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. reported that the Shaikhs frightened at the attitude of
the Sunnis had drawn back from their reforms and that some Shiahs were advocat
ing open rebellion and were said to be importing arms.
A week later, in July 1922, the Government of India asked the Resident
whether, as the Shaikh would not act, pressure should not be applied owing to
the gross injustice and the victimisation of Shiahs.
33. On the 7th December 1922 the Foreign Office, London, informed the
India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. that they desired to express their earnest hope that steps might be
taken forthwith for the introduction at Bahrain of reforms tending to ensure the
equitable treatment of Shiahs.
My files do not show it but I understand that Shiah pressure was being
exercised through the Persian Government at Tehran.
Colonel Knox, who was acting Resident in 1923 at the time the reforms were
finally put through, was not in favour of our pressing reforms on Shaikh Isa as
he considered the Persian challenge was directed not against our conduct of affairs
in Bahrain but against our position there, and that reforms would not placate
Persia but would provoke the larger issue. He pointed out in this reference
that if we withdrew from Bahrain it would not be Persia but the W ahabis who
would succeed us.
34. In January 1923 Major Daly reported that Shaikh Isa was purely
obstructive in matters to the advantage of the State and amongst them would
never agree to the exploration for oil except under pressure.
Colonel Trevor then reported that the state of affairs in Bahrain called for
reform more urgently than ever.
35. On the 17th April 1923 the Government of India wired to London urging
reforms since misrule had reached such a pitch but said In the present tempei
of Islam we are anxious to use every endeavour to induce Shaikh Isa to act osten
sibly in his own interest and wish to avoid overt intimidation........ failing that
if it means his enforced retirement and deportation of Shaikh Abdulla we are
determined to carry out the reforms ourselves such action would almost
certainly force the general issue of our status in Bahrain, and might product
an unfavourable reaction on Bin Saud but we presume His Majesty s Government
are prepared to face the consequences.
In reply the Secretary of State gave the required authority to convey a cate
gorical warning to Shaikh Isa.
36. A further disturbance between some Nejdis and Persians took place in
which five people were killed which assisted Colonel Knox when on the 15tii
May 1923 he crossed to Bahrain to take action.
MC531FD