Page 294 - Records of Bahrain (3) (i)_Neat

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284
Records of Bahrain

India Oflloo, London.
10th Novembor 1905.
Secret,
No. 34.

To His Excellency tho Right Honourable tlio Governor
Gonoral of India in Council.

Mv l.oKo,
T have considered the Secret Letter of the Govcnuneia of Indiu
The recent disturbances in in tho Foreign Department of tho
Bahrein : proposed instructions Hth September last, No. 178,
for the future guidance of the forwarding papers showing tho
Political Agent. action taken in connection with
the recent disturbances in Bahrein, nnd submitting, lor the approval
of His Majesty’s Government, tho draft of a letter embodying tin*
instructions which it. was proposed to issue for tho future guidance of
tho Political Agent.

2. In the opinion of His Majesty's Government, the time has not yet
arrivod for defining in strict terms the position of the. Sheikh of
Bahrein towards the protecting British Power; and the attributes of
suzerainty set forth in the draft letter, both as regards tho Nutivo
States of India nnd the State of Bahrein, are doscribcd in terms which
cannot unreservedly he accepted as correct. His Majesty’s Govern­
ment, therefore, consider that, in tho present oircumstanccs, it will
suffice that the Political authorities in the Persian Gulf should bo
: instructed to act, a* is proposed in the Gth paragraph of the draft lettor,
by steadily, nnd, as far as possible, unobtrusively, increasing thoir
nfluenco nnd the confidence of the Sheikh in their advice and powor to
direct and control his external a flairs.

3. With regard to tiio question of tho management of tho Customs, I
observe that it is proposed further to consult the Resident in tho Gulf
ns to the steps to he taken. The recommendations, whioli you may
submit on the receipt of his views, will receive full consideration.
4. A copy of correspondence* with tho Foreign OfTico on the subject
• To foreign Ofllcc, dutrd 2<uli October is enclosed.
from ditto, dated C7tli October 100.*.
I havo the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient humhlo Servant,
(Signed) St. John Buoduick.
:
S. 25.