File 522/1922 Pt 4 'Persian Gulf: Bahrein: Internal' [‎232r] (468/616)

and induceineftts, rally false witnesses wlio may give evidence innocently with good
intentions in their own opinions, h or this only reason we entreat the Government
to investigate into the case of Bahrain directly and under their immediate supervision.
What a crucification ol justice and humanity would it be should the Government,
owing to their other encumbrances, postpone the trial of the case of the helpless’
melancholy and persecuted people of Bahrain indefinitely ; Bahrain to-day is roiling
in the lowest abyss ol misery and disdain, awaiting rescue at the hands of the wisest
judge> His Excellency Lord Beading, the Viceroy of India. Will he disappoint
them l Most probably not; but if he did, which God forbid : and Bahrain became
the scene of action of the helpless desperates, then very likely it will be said that
the people of Bahrain were fanatics and intolerant towards the people following
other religions.
V> do not intend here to repeat our obligations done to Great Britain by our
treatment of her in season and out of season for we do not seek for a favour in return,
nay we ask for justice and justice only. We ask her to treat us according to the
pledge she herself had drafted and approved of.
W T e are aware that some individuals of the minor “ Shia ” community at
Bahrain have abandoned their self-respect and are seeking after their selfish motives.
Hence Major Delly (Daly) can easily make them tools in getting statements written
by them as may satisfy his desire. But will the lovers of justice esteem it chival
rous and honourable to take advantage of such a religious discord ? By God, stoop
ing to such ignoble measures is a stigma on the forehead of humanity and a stain
of disgrace on the face of civilization.
Yours, etc.,
“ L ”.
Enclosure No. 2.—Copy of a confidential memorandum from the Political
Agent, Bahrain, to the 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. , No.
110-C., DATED THE 14TH May 192L
I beg to forward herewith an article which has appeared in the “Bombav Chroni
cle.” It is without doubt inspired, if not actually written, by the deportee Abdul
W ahab Zayani, who, some months ago contributed a similar letter to this paper.
The grievances which he now sets forth are interesting.
( 1 ) The aerodrome.-—At the Ruler's (Shaikh Hamad) request the aerodrome
was made in place of one which Shaikh Isa had agreed to, and made, some years
back. It was made because the Shaikh wanted to use the old aerodrome as a build
ing site. At his request I supervised the work in order that it might be carried out
in accordance with the advice of an Air Force Officer who selected the site to which
Shaikh Hamad agreed. Labour w^as supplied by the Shaikh's order from various
surrounding villages. The villagers w T ere paid and fed at the expense of the Shaikh’s
Government. They have since several times offered to do any more wmrk should
it be required, but no more is necessary! Shaikh Isa w r as not consulted as all
such matters are now r dealt with by Shaikh Hamad.
( 2 ) Boat Tax.—An initial registration fee of Rs. 5 for all boats except small
fishing boats, has been collected by the Shaikh's Government. Renewals cost Rs. 2
annually !
Pearling licenses of Rs. 200 , Rs. 100 and Rs. 75 according to size of boat have
similarly been issued for boats actually engaged in the pearling. This tax amounts
to less than half the tax collected at Kuwait, Qatar or Qatif. It is now* collected
from all classes whereas, in the past a much heavier tax was collected from Shiahs
while the Sunni Nakhudas, to which class Abdul YVahab Zayani belongs, escaped
taxation. The tax was introduced by the Shaikh after consultation with me
and the approval of the Hon’ble the Resident.
Boats have been numbered wdth a distinguishing letter (B) to denote Bahrain
an d the registered number. This is in accordance with the system xisting all over
Hie Gulf. Xo numbers have been ‘ changed ’ such boats as were numbered
previously bore ordinary numerals, but the majority did not register although
registration has theoretically been in force for some years.