Page 340 - Records of Bahrain (3) (ii)_Neat

756 Records of Bahrain

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no npal cftfltJ against Shoikh Isa to justify ouch strong
measures as deposition. Mere existence of clamour for
reforms is conclusive proof.that position of foreigners
is better not worse®
As regards the details of the reforms ;schomo:

taxation. You will not carry responsible Bunni opinion,
with you0 and this I regard as essential to the success of
the refoimoa unless you allow for tho privileged position of
Sunni Go
Pearl trade. It is positively unjuot to hold(? oraisaLon)
A1 Khali fa1s family responsible for the pearling abuse(e)u
Pearling reform is a Gulfw not a Bahrein question,, ana cun
only he effected by European agency; success i3 dcubtfu3„
and the only certain elements arc expense of the reforms
and ..the bitter hostilities your attempt will arouse*
Jt fol* 'vn that we shoul.d concentrate cur strength on

upholding the statui-- one J# and in/. errpha’jit.c, ty further
intervention in Sahreizjj weaker aspects of our i:v before
inteonoticnol opinion* Their judgment would either
consolidate our position,, when we can refoim to our heart’s
content if we so desire; or insict on our Ydthdrav/al0 or
more probably stilly some indefinite middle course. In
latter two vYenV.uO.ities wo should iAit'ndv«w -.viU: letter
grace„ and it will not. be Persians but Wahuhiu who would
succeod us:.
If we can siang cp *.\r. •:! 1 either Sheikh Tas. or Persian
^gitatj.on dies* \v.: cun introciuce our reforms in naturul
course events by i unis ting cn suitable conditions.- before
installing ftioik:: Hamad* Despatch follows.
Addressed to Porcigr.,, Simla, repeated to Colonial
Office.,
Knox*

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