Page 248 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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Attitude of Bahrein Chief. Evidence of Turkish designs against
Bahrein.
179. As already shown in paragraph 57, the Chief of Bahrein at the com­
mencement of the Expedition expressed his reliance on trucial engagement, and
requested advice and protection from the British Government. On receipt of
the assurances from the Turkish Government [vide paragraph 72] that no in­
tention wn9 entertained of obtaining supremacy over Bahrein, the Chief was in­
formed accordingly by Colonel Belly on the 26th May, and told that the Turkish
Expedition in no way affected the treaty rights and obligation of the British
Government or trucial Chiefs. In subsequent letters the Chief was directed to
observe strict neutrality, and that as long as*he observed Articles II and III
of the Treaty with the British Government, that Government would fulfil its
obligations. The Chief in reply expressed himself determined not to act against
those agreements in any way.
ISO. In accordance with the advice and instructions received by him the
Chief had throughout carefully abstained from committing himself with
either of tho belligerent parties, and had always shown himself ready to accept
and act on the advice of Colonoi Pelly, more especially in the matter of the
murdor of the Turkish messenger (paragraph 149) aud the demand made on him
by Midhut Pasha for tho surrender of two boats (paragraph 153). "When it
was thought that Midhut Pasha was about to visit Bahrein, the Chief asked for
instructions from Colonel Pelly as to his behaviour on the occasion. Colonel
Pelly recommended him to be courteous to all guests of consequence, who visited
his territories, hut absolutely to abstain from mixing himself up in any quarrels
that might be going on beyond his own frontiers.
181. In October 1871 a misunderstanding arose between the Chief and his
brothers, which might have been incovenient at that juncture, had not an
amicable settlement been arrived at. According to tiie Chief’s account,
lie had hitherto assigned to his two brothers a third of tho revenues of Bahrein,
hut, urging that this was not sufficient for thorn, they demanded one-half,
which the Chief eventually consented to give so that there might ho no open­
ing for his enemies to intervene.
182. Abdul Aziz, a son of Saud, appears to have visited Bahrein in
August, and to have been received with great ceremony by the Chief. There
is nothing to show what was his object in visiting the island, nor is any further
mention made of him in tho subsequent reports.
183. Notwithstanding the explicit assurances of the Ottoman Porte as
regards Bahrein indications had not been wanting of a dosire on the part of
the Baghdad local authorities to obtain some pretext for interfering in the affairs
of the island. The tone of the Pasha’s letters on the subject of the murdor of
tho messenger and the demand for surrender of the two Katif boats (para­
graphs 147 and 150) needs no comment.
184. In a letter of the 29th December 1871,* Colonel Pelly reported the
• Enelmoro to Bombay Government No. 378, SUhstaUCO of a Conversation between an
•teJ2UbJanuary 18/2. Arab of his acquaintance and Midhut,
Pasha, when the latter was at Katif. The Arab was a wealthy pearl merchant
whose information had always proved accurate, and Colonel Pelly had no
moral doubt that his conversation with the Pasha was brought direct from the
Pasha s lips. According to tho Arab’s account, after conversation on other
subjects, the Pasha asked him if he had ever heard of tho Sultan of Boom
[Turkey], and said that he would very soon hear of him.
, A ^1® Pasha asked me,” proceeded tlie Arab, ** whether it wero true that the Bahrcinees
had petitioned to be taken under British protection. I replied it was quito true, end that
all claFgaS'had long been and still were most anxious for the protection of tho British flag.
But that it bad not beeo accorded to them.
'"I5* ^'en asked me if I thought I could procure tho signatures of 50 or GO sub­
stantial Bahrein merchants and others to a petition begging for Turkish rulo. I 6aid poruaps
such a tiling might be done, but I was doubtful.
* l>asha asked how long it would take me to try and collect tho namos. I said throe
.y8‘ fai(l vcry well, then I will delay my departure from Katcof for three day®*
,
1 tvld him that success in the matter would seem to be very doubtful. But that I would
repoit to him at the end of tlireo days.

L.