File 4673/1919 Pt 3 ‘Persian Gulf: Bahrein Mission to England 1919. Political business of Mission’ [‎325v] (38/164)

24
As far back as 1871 the Government of India instructed the Resident to
restrain the Shaikh of Bahrein from interfering with mainland of Katr. on
account of the doubtful character of his alleged rights and influence, and
this was repeated in 1875 (page 905, Gazetteer of Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , and foot-note).
In 1895 the A1 bin Ali occupied Zubarah 18th-century town located 105 km from Doha. and would actually have invaded
Bahrein, if their fleet had not been destroyed by British gunboats (see pages
923-925, Gazetteer of Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ).
In the circumstance, I think we should continue to refuse to pay attention
to Shaikh ’Isa’s pretensions to Zubarah 18th-century town located 105 km from Doha. . I doubt if Zubarah 18th-century town located 105 km from Doha. is much good as
a port, being very shallow, but it is probably as good (or rather as bad) as
Dohah and Ojair, and I think 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, is quite right in his
view as to the probable effect of the creation of a port there on Bin Saud and
Shaikh Abdullah bin Jasira.
In conclusion, I may add that I agree with 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. in thinking
that recent utterances by President Wilson have had effect on Shaikh ’Isa and
Shaikh Abdullah as on so many other people all over the world. Shaikh
Abdullah’s recent visit to Europe has doubtless increased Shaikh ’Isa’s idea of
his own importance.
Copy to Bahrein with reference to his memorandum No. 176-C. E.-3, dated
6th December 1919.
Memorandum No. 9-C., dated Bahrein, the 17th January 1920.
From— Major H. R. P. Dickson, C.I.E , 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. ,
To—The Deputy 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.
I beg to forward herewith the atlached three letters, “ A ” from myself to
Shaikh’Isa regarding the convening of the Majlis al Urfi, “B”and“C”
from Shaikh ’Isa to myself in answer to “A,” also some notes on a conversation
I had on the subject with Shaikh Abdullah.
(2) It' you recollect, I consulted you on the subject Majlis al Urfi when
you were last here, and my letter “ A ” was written more or less on the lines
you suggested it should take. Actually the Majlis came to a bad end just
before Captain Bray, M.C., went home with Shaikh Abdullah. It appears
that Shaikh ’Isa dismissed a prominent member without consulting 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. . As this was contrary to the clause on the appointment, etc.,
of Majlis-al-Urfi as laid down in “ Order-in-Council” Captain Bray, M.C.,
took objection and refused to recognize the existing Majlis until Shaikh ’Isa
gave an explanation of his action. This Shaikh ’Isa never did, and the Majlis
dissolved of itself. Captain Bray, M.C., I understand, would have taken the
matter further had he not suddenly left Bahrain.
(3) My letter A,” as ycu will see, is an endeavour to get the Majlis
Isa evades the point and brings up the subject of Shaikh
Abdullah s visit to London and his petition to Sir Arthur Hertzel. He further
says a e is sending his sen Abdullah to talk to me about the matter.
0 . W ^ayfollowiHg that on which Shaikh’Isa wrote his letter *‘B”
51 t i U . aD T ^ a lour hours’ conversation which covered a wide
range ot subjects. I will endeavour to give a short precis of what took place,
as 1 wi better convey the situation to you as I see it here. The talk was
nen y a » earned on without the slightest show of restraint. I may state
ror a start that I have, of course, not divulged to Shaikh Isa the fact that I
knew of his petition in London sometime back.
(a) Eirstly, Abdullah stated his father had not given an answer about
need not allow the delay in Government’s reply to effect the
paragraph 4‘(Majlis al Urfi) Orde~r "in"Council ‘ I emphasised
^ at .i until an answer came from His Majesty’s Government,
o aikh Isa was expected to abide by existing orders. Later on,