Page 105 - PERSIAN GULF ADMINISTRATION REPORTS V1

AND MUSCAT POLITICAL AQI5NCY FOIt T1IR YBAll 1874-75. 3

able to lay claim to victory; and if in one foray booty was acquired, the
advantage was pretty sure to be counterbalanced by loss in the next.
But the injury done to the commercial prosperity and general welfare
of the countries engaged in these incessant wars is deplorable. Just at
present there is a cessation of hostilities, but the hitherto existing
inimical attitude is maintained by all the belligerents, with the exception
of the Chieftains of Shargah and Umm-cl-Keiwein, who are stated to
have negotiated a truce.
A temporary peace might be arranged among all the Chiefs if the
Shargah Ruler would pay certain sums of money claimed by the Debayc
Chief, for between these two exists a greater amount of ill-feeling than
among the others. It is to be regretted that the friendly offices of the
British Agent and the Residency to procure an amicable adjustment of
these differences have hitherto been unproductive of successful results.

The Maritime Truce.
With reference to their relations with the British Government, the
Chiefs have acted up to their trucial engagements, and no difficulty has
been experienced in settling matters connected with the rights and pros­
perity of British subjects residing in their dominions. In the month of
November the Resident visited the Arab Coast and had interviews with
several of the Chieftains, A few minor cases of irregularities corn-
milted at sea have been satisfactorily disposed of, and it is clearly to be
inferred from the general conduct and demeanour of the Arab Chiefs
that they have no desire to deviate from the general policy laid down by
Government.
Such occasional irregularities as have occurred have not been of a
nature to throw any doubt on this opinion. Past experience too has
taught the Chiefs that the British Government, whilst avoiding unneces­
sary interference with their affairs, is able and ready, when the necessity
occurs, to enforce Treaty obligations and suppress disorder and lawless
aggressions in these waters.

Weather and JFinds.
It is during the winter months that violent winds prevail iu the
Gulf. In summer the weather is usually fine with but very little or no
rain, and the sea calm. At this season the pearl-fishery is carried on.
But very few native craft have been wrecked during the year which has
been remarkably free from strong gales and tempestuous weather.

Bahrein.
The state of affairs at Bahrein has of late occasioned a great deal of
anxiety, and the continuous presence of a vessel of war in its waters has
been deemed advisable. A rcsumS of the events that occurred may not
be out of place. The trade and wealth of Bahrein are centred in its two
principal towns, Manamch and Mubarrak, and these places being desti­
tute of walls or fortifications, and the Chief, Shejkh Esau, having
neither armed men in his service (beyond a small body-guard) nor mn-
nitions of war, they appear an easy and tempting prey to any wander­
ing horde of Bedouin robbers who may be able to obtain craft of light