'SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS AND MEASURES OF THE VICEROYALTY OF HIS EXCELLENCY LORD CURZON OF KEDLESTON, VICEROY AND GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF INDIA IN THE FOREIGN DEPARTMENT. I. JANUARY 1899-APRIL 1904. II. DECEMBER 1904-NOVEMBER 1905. VOLUME IV. PERSIA AND THE PERSIAN GULF.' [‎178r] (360/384)

97
from this that for none of the claims put forward by 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. is there
any justification, and that he should not attempt to apply interference or
pressure in the various forms which lie suggests with a view to forcing the
Sheikh to adopt premature reforms, hut that he should devote himself to the busi
ness of acquiring the confidence of the ruler. Instructions in this sense should
be given to Captain Prideaux, with a view to his building up a position which
will enable him to tender advice for the gradual amelioration of the internal
administration. The one point upon which the Government of India are com
pelled at the present stage to offer authoritative advice is that of Customs
reform, which, after the previous declarations made to Sheikh Esa on the subject,
is not a matter which can be allowed to rest until the Chief chooses to take
action. On this matter they are prepared to await your advice as to the manner
in which, and the moment when, a communication should be made to Sheikh
Esa, and it will be for you to consider whether the best course would not be
to have a frank explanation with the Chief, and to let him know that his
dependence upon the British Government is not consistent with the permanent
disregard of the advice so frequently tendered to him in this matter; advice
which when thus seriously repeated, must be regarded as possessing the
authoritative character referred to in the ultimatum presented to him in
February last.
51
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. , London ;
10th November 1905.
Secret,
Iso. 31.
To His Excellency the Right Honourable the Governor-General of
India in Council.
My Lord,
I have considered the Secret letter of the Government of India in the
Eorei^n Department of the 14th September last, No. 1/8, forwaiding papers
showin 0, the action taken in connection with the recent disturbances in Bahrein,
and submitting, for the approval of His Majesty’s Government, the draft of a
letter embodying the instructions which it was proposed to issue for the future
guidance 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. .
2. In the opinon of His Majesty’s Government, the time has not yet
arrived for defining in strict terms the position of the Sheikh of Bahrein
towards the protecting British Power; and the attributes of suzerainty set
forth in the draft letter, both as regards the Native States of India and the
State of Bahrein, are described in terms which cannot unreservedly he accepted
as correct. His Maiesty’s Government, therefore, consider that, m the present
circumstances, it will suffice that the Political authorities in tlie Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran.
should be instructed to act, as is proposed in the 6th paragraph of the draft
letter by steadily, and, as far as possible, unobtrusively, increasing their
influence and the confidence of the Sheikh in their advice and power to direct
and control his external affairs.
3. With regard to the question of the management of the Customs, I
observe that it is proposed further to consult the Resident in the Gulf as to
the steps to be taken. The recommendations, which you may submit on the
receipt of his views, will receive full consideration.
4. A copy of correspondence * with
1 To Foreign Office, dated 20th October 1905^ ^ p ore ign Office 0D the Subject is
enclosed.
1 U r UI t II v/UiCC ) VACAV*. v* ^ v
From Foreign Office, dated 27th October 1905.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient, humble servant,
Sr. JOHN BRODRICK.