Page 218 - Records of Bahrain (5) (i)_Neat
P. 218

206                       Records oj Bahrain
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                     polioy of the Bahrain Government towardo looal agitation, and
                     hero Weightraan, supported by Bolgravo (whom I askod Weightman
                      to consult), la of one opinion and I am of anothor.    Briefly
                     I think that* not now but in the oouroo of the next year or

                      oop we  ehall moat probably hare to advise the Bhaikh, $nd hie
                      familyi to have an Advioory council, nominated by him, while
                      yeightraan and Melgravo are strongly oguinot BUoh a step, and
                      are of the opinion that Bahrain can do without any Council at

                      all "for yearn to come"#   The problem as you will seo is not
                      urgent, but aa I ehall oeaoe to be Keaident within a few months
                      from now I think It ae well to leave behind me some record of

                      thie important matter for the benefit of my ouooesaor, ae well
                      ob of the India Office and of the Oovemment of India*

                      5*     Weightman*a and Bolgrave’s views, which as they come
                      from experienced men on the spot must be givon weight, ores

                           (a)  That any preoouro from us to form a Counoil - even an
                      AdviBory one nominated by the Bhaikh - would be moot unpopular
                      with the a1 IChallfah Family, and would make ub equally un­
                      popular with them, whereas at present they are extremely loyal
                      and friendly to^usw The Family have alroady diaouaied the

                      question amongBt themselves, and regard the formation of a
                      Council as the end or tne Al Khal if ah rule in Bahrain.
                           (b)  By far the greater majority of the people of Bahrain

                      do not want a Counoil, the demand for whioh is oonfined to a
                      small minority oknslstlng mostly of young men belonging to the
                      Youth Movement, (there is one in Bahrain) and »Holia»ri.e.
                      Persians domiciled in Bahrain.   In support of tnis  , inter alia
                         . ,                          A< m
                      Welghtmon has forwarded a communication from B.elgraveto the
                                                                     / pff eot
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