Page 345 - Records of Bahrain (3) (ii)_Neat

Reforms and unrest, 1923 761

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Ne;]diB8and stiff comrunication to Ibn Saud, tfhidlMtfrox proposes in
hio subsequent telegrams, are unavoidable lunleiJA\2£nd9QttV entirely

different complexion i8 put on the matter by Knox's report from
Bahrein itself. Prompt action, however, in Bahrein is imperative,
mnd we urge that, if His Majesty's Government agree generally, Knox
should be given the authority to take it at his discretion©
If His Majesty's Government are prepared to face Ibn Saud
roaction, it seems all the (?,more omitted) desirable to tackle at
the come time Bahrein misrule on linen His Majesty's Government
have laid down. Resident should be able to turn evil to good by
using the recent developments to induce the pusillanimous Sheikh to
put his own house in order, frightening him with the bogey of
Persian pretensions, and heartening him with our overt support
egainst Nejdi interference. Counsels of perfection are out of place
in Bahrein, and we have never contemplated the introduction of all I
desirable reforms *.t one swoop. All we want is to put ourselves
right with the wor.'d arid tho Bahreinis by the introduction of some
measure of justice and equitable taxation. Though the Resident's
taek will net be easy, he has sufficient cards in hio hand to
justify the hope that his personal influence will suffice to bring

homo to the Sheikh the imperative necessity, in his own interests,
cf making genuine start, in putting hie house iri order.
Addressed to the Secretary of State and repeated to Minister
at Teheran and Resident at. Bushire and at Bahrein,