Page 331 - Records of Bahrain (3) (ii)_Neat

Reforms and unrest, 1923 747

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C 0 P_Y OF TELEGRAM,
v W2L-J
From Viceroy, Foreign and Political Department, to . „
3ecrotary of State for India0
Dated Simla, 17th April, 19230
Received 17th April, 19230 5op0m0

476. 3. Your X189„ We agree that the raiorule in
Bahrein hao reached such a pitch that wo must secure the

introduction of fiscal and administrative reform(s) on the
lines indicated by the Resident* But we are doubtful
whether forcible intervention on our part would not be
likely to give rise to more hostile cornnent(s) in’ the
present terepor of Iolan^than acquiescence in the continuance
of longstanding misrule ir. Bohrein0 We aren therefore0
anxious to avoid overt intervention if possible,, and to
use evory effort to induce Sheikh Isa0 in his own interests
as woll as oursn to act ostensibly on his own initiative and
set his own house in order* This, we think, he could be
induced to do if it were put to him plainly that it is our
protection alone which has hitherto prevented his subjects

from vising against him, and that if ho now introduces
reforms we shall back him up in carrying them out; tut that
if he does not we are determined to do so ourselves, even if
this means his enforced retirement and the deportation,if
necossary„of Abdulla to India,, (in which case his coot of
maintenance should bo made first charge on Bahrein customs
revenue} 0 We solicit authority to give oato«gorical warning
to this effect.., i:i the hope that it may induce Sheikh Isa’s
acquiescence or abdication, which would facilitate reforms
under Hamad,; if not0 we must bo prepared to onforco reforms

ouraolvoso Such action on our part migjit produce unfavourab>
•.« reaction on Bin Saud (vide Resident's remarks and penultimate
A'vu'' ’ r .
&18 APf, IWj;; ] parosrap’