Page 16 - PERSIAN GULF ADMINISTRATION REPORTS V1

3 REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OP THE
It was suggested to establish a Post Office also at Bahrein, but the
Postal Department did not consider this advisable.
Famine Relief Fund.—The local Committee for relief of. sufferers
from the famine of 1871 have, in accordance with the desire of the
Central Committee of London, closed their proceedings and accounts.
Slave-trade -' -The year 1873 is memorable in the annals of slavery
for the mission of Sir Bartle Frcrc to Zanzibar and Muscat. The pro­
ceedings at Muscat will be found detailed in the Political Agent’s report.
One of the measures taken by Government in connection with the
suppression of slave dealing was the issue of proclamations warning
British subjects of the penalties incurred by engaging in this traffic.
The oulers of Government to give the widest publicity to these proclama­
tions were carefully carried out, and wherever British subjects reside in
the Persian Gulf effective steps were taken to make them aware of the
intentious of Government. Copies of the proclamations also have been
posted at the Custom Houses and in conspicuous spots at each port of
importance with permission of the local Chiefs or Governors.
The various Arab Sheikhs have acted up to their engagements
regarding the traffic during the year.
Affairs of Ncjd and Turkish occupation of El Alim.—It was stated
at the close of the last Annual Report submitted from this Residency that
certain negotiations had been opened between Saood bin Feysul and
the Turkish authorities of Baghdad. In connection with this negotia­
tion the younger brother of Saood proceeded to Baghdad. Nothing has
resulted, however, beyond the detention of Abdool Rahman bin Feysul at
Baghdad.

Saood has maintained a position of superiority over his brother
Abdoollah, but has made no attempts against the Turkish force. Saood
has resided chiefly at Reeadh, the capital of Nejd, and has the majority
of the Arabs on his side, but the feeling in his favor is not as yet univer­
sal, some adhering to the brother. Whether the Turks have any con­
siderable number of Arabs as friends is doubtful.
Saood distressed at the treacherous arrest of his brother appealed to
British authority, but it was evidently not a matter for interference.
Affairs of Nejd.—During the past year Abdoollah has mostly
resided near Koweit, and communications have passed between him and
the Turkish authorities, who endeavoured to entice him to Baghdad.
Preferring, however, the freedom of the desert Abdoollab sent bis confi­
dential slave Mahboob (a well known name) to Baghdad. Nothing
appears to have come of this either.

During the summer and autumn of 1873 some activity prevailed as
regards the Turkish army of Lahsa. Regiments were relieved and fresh
ones sent. Attempts were made to establish regular steam communica­
tion between Busrah, Kuteef, Bahrein and other adjacent ports. The
Turkish Pasha also endeavoured to open relations with the independ­
ent Arab Chiefs of Oman, to whom letters were addressed inviting

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