File 522/1922 Pt 4 'Persian Gulf: Bahrein: Internal' [‎295r] (594/616)

1 062
— 1924 j
Memorandum from the Hon’ble the Political Eesident in the
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , No. 694-S., dated Bushire, the 16th (received 24th)
December 1923.
Belations between Sunnis and Shias at Bahrein.
Deference Foreign and Political Department memorandum No. 480-A ,
dated 29th November 1923.
Copy of letter No. 140-1—15, dated 17th October 1923, with enclosure,
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. , Bahrein, forming enclosures to this office letter
No. 620-S.. dated 9th November 1923, is forwarded herewith. The omission
is regretted.
Letter 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. , Bahrein, to the Hon’ble 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. , Bushire, No. 140-1—15,
DATED THE 1?TH OCTOBER 1923 (CONFIDENTIAL).
Reforms in Bahrein.
I have the honour to report that, in accordance with the instructions con
veyed in your letter No. 527-S. of 24th September, I have fully discussed the
camel nuisance with Sheikhs Hamad and Abdulla.
As was anticipated, I found Sheikh Hamad very difficult to convince
that it was necessary to put some limit to the damage caused by these animals.
He was very loath to set a good example by lessening the number of his own
herd of camels, putting forth all sorts of ridiculous reasons, among others that
it was necessary for him to always keep a large number for presents to other
Arab potentates. He had, however, to admit that since I came to Bahrein he
has given away hardly any while he has considerably added to the herd by
breeding and by purchase.
After much discussion the proposals, as set forth in the attached docu
ment, were agreed to, but are not to be brought into force till approved by
vou. 3 This at Sheikh Hamad’s request as he said it would be difficult to alter
them after publishing the news, should they not meet with approval.
None of the Sheikhs, although they agree to the limits imposed as to
numbers which may be kept in Bahrein, intend to dispose of their herds, but
to keep them on the mainland with paid herdsmen to look after them. Sheikh
Abdulla has for some time past kept part of his herd on the mainland as he
finds it cheaper and he uses them there once a year for a hunting trip.
There will, of course, be no one with sufficient authority to check the
numbers actually maintained by the Sheikhs, and it will probably devolve on
Political Agents to remind them, from time to time, of their obligations should
the number & be found excessive. The fact that they have given some under
taking and that the matter has received the attention of His Majesty’s Gov
ernment should, however, act as a deterrent.
Unnexure of the proposed Regulations regarding the maintenance of camels in
Bahrein.
1 . Pounds to be constructed in the vicinity of each village near which
gardens exist, where stray animals might cause damage.
2. Any person finding a stray camel in a garden or wandering in the vici
nity of gardens to have the right to take it to the pound.
3. The owner of any camel so impounded to pay a fine of Bs. 30 before it
will be returned to him.