Page 321 - Records of Bahrain (3) (ii)_Neat

Reforms and unrest, 1923 737

plainly indicates what his attitude as an ultra-orthodox. •• •
. :
Sunni i6 likely to he towards a vigorous policy of pro-rShiah
reform in Bahrain. This point has also been alluded to in
the letter from the Political Agent, Bahrain, no.111-C,dated
3rd July 1922 enclosed with my letter No.529-8 dated 16th
July 1922 (quod vide).
<n to
/The oij'ly easy solution 16 the natural succession of Sheikh
Hamad who though ignorant is reasonable and progressive. He
could be trusted to introduce the reforms himself with the
advice of his Political Agont; and Government would be
relieved of the unpleasemt alternative of tolerating abuses
or forcibly intervening to end them. But that solution need
not be anticipated for 6ome time.
8. For all practical purposes at present therefore Govern­
ment is presented with a choice between these two alternatives
either of which is attended with difficulty. The decision as
to v/hich course should be adopted must be governed by
question of Imperial policy. But I feel bound respectfully
to point out that in my opinion sooner or later something
will have to be done. Present inaction may only result in
our hands being forced later on. On the other hand, if the

matter 16 firmly grasped now, this advantage will at least
follow that some definite good will be accomplished and an
unsatisfactory condition of affairs ended.
It would 6eem,then, that if action is to be taken it should
be taken as 60on as conveniently possible, but I recognize
that it may be 6ome time before the orders of H.M,Government
can be obtained, in the meanwhile I am preparing the details
of the required machinery which I hope to be able to submit
to Government for their approval if necessary, as soon as I
am acquainted with their decision.
9. To sum up, my opinion is as follows:-

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