Page 109 - Records of Bahrain (5) (i)_Neat

Baharnah agitation for reform, 1935 97

6.

and to come to the interview with arued retainers, The Armed
Police were ordered to be ready in case they were required. I
should, however, make it clear that in these matters the country
Baharinnh, who are decent folk, have been led astray by certain
evil townsmen.

11. When a copy of the letter of the eight leaders to His
Excellency Shaikh Sir Hamad was first sent to me by the Adviser
at their request I refused to see them as the matter was one with

which the Bahrain Government should deal, but after His Excellency’s
reply and after the stormy interview mentioned above, I felt that
it was wiser for me to see them in order to make it clear that
they need expect no support in their unconstitutional agitation
from His Majesty’s Government. I, therefore, granted them an
interview and addressed them in terui3 of which I enclose a trans­

lation and which may bo summed up as follows
(a) that the matters were internal and for the Ruler
to settle,
(b) that the Ruler was attending to their represent­
ations, and
(c) that, if there was any trouble, they eight and
not the common folk would be held responsible.

12. I understand that the agitation died down as soon as it
was clear that both the Ruler and I would hold the leaders respons­
ible and I hope that there is now little risk of violence.

13. I have counselled His Excellency Shaikh Sir Hamad to
proceed with doing what is reasonable and right for his Baharinah
subjects and have emphasised that these matters are for the Ruler
and not Ills Majesty’s Government to settle.

14. The appointment of a Committee to deal with the Code is

under active discussion: the number of Baharinah on the lianamah
Baladlyah has been increased (sanctioned before the agitation)
in the forthcoming elections from three to six, that is to the
same number that the Arabs have. Two 3eats will be given to them
/on the