Page 117 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf) 1907-1953

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APPENDIX (A).

(By Mr. E. Parkes.)

(J.) British Declarations to the Persian Government respecting their Claim
to Sovereignty over Bahrein.
IN 1822 a Convention was coucludod between Captain Brace, then Resident of the 1822.
East India Company in the Persian Gulf, anil the Vizier of the Prince Governor of Furs, Mr. E. Hertslot's Memo-
admitting the right of Persia to Bahrein. This Convention was never ratified, but, on randum, March i->, 1874,
the contrary, tho arrangement wus entirely disavowed by the Government of Bombay, p. 7.
who, as a public mark of their disapprobation, removed Captain Bruce from his post. 1825.
2. The India Office havo stated that, in 1825, tho Persians laid claim to tho Ind^O£Hce lottor, Apr 1 _ ,
sovereignty of Buhroin, and that tho British Government refused to recognize the
olaim.
8. Sheikh Abdullu of Bahrein was, in consequence of family dissensions, driven
out of tho island, and sought to enlist the sympathy of Persia. It was reported to Her
Majesty’s Government, in 1844, that tho Persian Government intended to take part in 1844.
tho disputes. The Persian Primo Minister was consequently informed that, unless To Colonel Sheil, No. 23,
Persia could show a clear und indisputable right to the sovereignty of Bahrein, she must August 21, 18J4.
be prepared to encounter, in any schemo of tho kind, the active opposition of the
British Government. To support further representations, arguments were supplied to
Colonel Sheil showing gcnomlly the grounds on which Ilor Majesty’s Government wore Mr. E. Hortslet's Memo­
unable to recognize as valid tho claims advanced by Persia to the sovereignty of randum, March 23, 1874,
Bahreiu. p. 8.
4. In February 1848, the Persian Government objected to British interference in 1848.
the affairs of Bahrein, but were informed that the British Government could not
recognize as valid tho eluims advanced by Persia to the sovereignty of tho island. Colonel Farrant, No. 11,
May 2, 1848.
5. An understanding was arrived at, in 1861, between tho Government of India
1861.
and the India and Foreigu Offices, that Bulnein should be regarded os independent und To India Olllco, February
as subject neither to Turkoy nor Persiu. Subsequently a Treaty was concluded with 12, 1801.
tho Sheikh (as an indepoudunt Ruler) for the suppression of piruoy, and liar Majesty’s PrOoit of Inoloaure* In India
Government refused to concur in a proposal mudo by the Shah that the sovereignty of Office lottor of March 23,
Bahrein should be transferred to the Persian Crown. 1870.
6. In L8U2 the Persian Envoy at Paris complained of tho seizure, by British 1862.
authorities, of a vessol belonging to the Sheikh of Bahreiu. Lord Cowley informed him
that Her Majesty's Government could not rccoguize any claim on the part of Persia to ij>Q Cowloj, No. 209,
question their proceedings in regard to Bahreiu. February 22, 1802.
7. In roply to a complaint made respecting the proceedings at Buhrcin of the
1869.
British Resident, tho Persian Minister in Loudon was informed, ou the 5th March, To General Mohsiu Khan,
1869, thut the Sheikh of Bubrein wus an independent Chief, with whom the British Maroli 5, 1800.
Government had Treaty engagements, and whom they must, hold strictly to tho
performance of those engagements.
8. In the course of negotiations rolativo to the status of Bahrcinese in Persia, the
British Chnrgd d'Affuircs was instructed, in February 1906, to inform tho Porsiun 1906
Government that His Majesty’s Government had never admitted ownership or •
sovereignty of Persia over Bahrein, and such a claim was wholly inadmissible. lie was To Mr. Grant Duff, February
furthor to state thut His Majesty’s Government considered the island and its inhabitants 1900-
to be under British protection, and must decline to entertain uny further representations
on til. subject. * Febru"* ”■ 100°-
9. In 1907 tho Persian cluiru to the sovereignty of Bahrein was uguin urged, ou 1907.
the ground that it had been acknowledged in the Agreement made in 1822 by Captain
Bruce. The British Minister at Tehran reminded the Persian Grand Vizier that this 8Ir G. Sprlng-Rloe, No. 3,
Treaty hud been expressly disavowed by tho British Government, and that Captain January 3, 1007.
Bruce had been recalled.
•Sir C. Spring-Rice added, in a later note to the Grand Vizier, that the Shah 81 r C. Spring-Rice, No. fil,
himself had refused to recognize the stipulations of tho Treaty, which had never been March 27, 1907.
ratified.
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