Page 257 - Records of Bahrain (3) (ii)_Neat

Bahrain and the British, 1921-1922 G73

It is ovidont■from tho fiioo in this Agency, that no im­
provement as regards tho intornal administration of J3ahrain has
been effootod, and several Political Agonta have loft on roo.ord,
notoo oohoorning tho unsatisfactory stato of affairs. Thoro i3
ovidonoo on all sides that opprossion has much increased of quite
rooont yours, whoroas tho population is more onlightonod and loss
inolinod to submit to ouch troatraont.
I woula again rofor to tno Gazetter of the Porsian Gulf
Pago 943
"The question of a remedy for tnoso evils ana of a strictor
definition of tho subordinate relations of tne Sheikh to tho
British Government was raisod after the crisis of 190‘±-.1905, ana
was duly considered by His majesty 1 s Government, who resolved
however to pursuo a cautious policy.----- *—■-----------------------------
that amelioration of tho intornal Government should bo sought by
indirect ana pacific moans througn increaso of influonco vritn tho
Shoikh ana by gainiii^ his confidence ana trust"•

1 Indirect‘an^ pacific means" have failoa to achieve the
objocts desired, ana intriguos within tho family render abortivo
o \ '•»
effect to gain the trust and confidence of tho ruling family.
The grounds for His iuajesty's Government desiring to pursue a
cautious policy wore doubtless not unconnected vun tho undefined
position of the British in Bahrain, coupled with the attention
bestowed on it, oy the TurKish and Porsian Government of that time,
as well us the prosenco of Gorman interests on the spot. The
European war has removed those considerations, ana I rospoctfully
submit, thut never bofore, navo we been in so unfettered a position
for insisting upon tho long delayed ana necossary reforms in the
internal administration of Bahrain.
To summarise; Shoikh liasa has arrived at an ago when ho is no
longer capablo of ruling, ana must rely upon someone. Shoikh Hamad
appoars the proper person, ana in fact the only possible candidate
acceptable to the inhabitants.
Shoikh Abdulla will never accept tho position of youngor brother
or curb his ambition.
I