Page 272 - Records of Bahrain (3) (i)_Neat

2(52 Records of Bahrain

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I am grieved at what I have seen of insults and of lowering of my prestige
and dignity in the eyes of the British Government, at such things f6r instance
a9 the appearance of mcn-of-war, their taking up a position indicating readi­
ness for war and administering terror, tho arresting of ray son Hamad and
jplacing him under confinement in tho ship, the forcing of access into my
nephew’s house and seizing liis things—horses, camels,'cattle, furniture and other
effects—the packing of them off and selling them in Ko\vcit,' Bushiro and Maskat
and publishing to the world the insults administered, which I nfcver deserved
■ from the Government. If there was anything in the late disturbance, then I
think the Government has achieved its object by the levying of fines and punish­
ment of the men. And after all this disturbance was not greater than those in
other places, culminating in loss of life, yet where such punishment has not been
meted out.
Have I in any way failed in the* observance of Treaty obligations between
myself and the British Government ?
There you see in the agreement it is stated that l have bound myself to yuu
and promised never to allow any Foreign Government to set a foot here, and
never to sell or mortgage the port, and I have always conducted myself true to
the letter.
What then is the reason for thus insulting me, for taking possession of my
house and property (and the felling of my flag-post) and for not sending replies
to requests I have submitted to the British Government ? If this is an inten­
tional silence, well it is a matter in which I am helpless. But there certainly
|: has been a contravention of the Treaty obligations between me and the Govern­
ment. Any notion of interfering in the internal matters of State is not support­
ed by the terms of thc Treaty, the Treaty is there in its original form and l have
the perseverance to stick to it.
As for my accepting the advices of the Government, I should like to say
that I have never failed to accept them, except such as l thought would be
injurious to my interests. For instance the question of the administration of
Customs, and about this I have to say that I shall not feel at rest until I have
•got the administration in my own hands. If the Government really wishes to do
good to me and to the town., they may decide between me and the Banniahs and
have my agreement with them cancelled, and in order that the Banniahs may get
their dues 1 will allow them to keep the 5th part of the Customs until they arc
1 fully paid. Then this 5th too shall revert to me and I will place my own men in
charge of the Customs administration. I shall feel grateful if the Government
does me this kindness.
I have in this letter given expression to my feelings and l desire a favourable
reply from you. If, however, I fail to elicit a reply from you, I shall thon.be
obliged to communicate with the Government of India direct.

{Letter inform of memorandum from Resident to Sheikh Esa, to bt read to him by the
Political Agent at a personal interview.)
Bushirb.
' June ythj tgog.
After fomplitnetils.—Writing to me on and June, the Political Agent has
sent me your letter, dated 35th Kabi-ul-Awal, to his address.
• < The tone of the letter causes me much painful surprise and 1 fear that it
will be no less displeasing to the Government of India.
. It is only 3 months ago that, after persistently offending Government to tho
last degree, you obliged them to exact from you compliance with certain peremp­
tory demands.
No good object would bo gained by my entering into any discussion with
you now about those, recent incidents, whicn arc so well within the memory of