Page 295 - Records of Bahrain (3) (i)_Neat

British influence and foreign interests, 1904-1906 285

ENCLOSURES.

Euolo9uro No. 1.
India Ofllce to Foreign Ofilco.
India Ofilce,
Sir. 20th October 1005.
With rcfcronco to previous oorrospondonco relative to tho affairs
of Bahrein, ending with my letter of the 31th May last, I am directed
by Mr. Secretary Brodriek to enclose, for the information of tho
Marquess of Lansdowno, a copy of a letter from the Government of
India, No. 178 (Sou ret), datod l*Uh September, and enclosure.s, on tho
subject.
2. Lord Lansdowno will see that, before issuing definite instructions
for the futuro guidance of the Political Agent, the Government of India
have submitted the draft of a letter ombodying those instructions
for the approval of Ilis Majesty’s Government.
8. The Secretary of Stato for India, ns at present advised, is doubtful
whether tho time has yet arrived for doliniug in strict terms tho
position of the Chief of .Bahrein towards the protecting British Govern­
ment, and the attributes of suzerainty set forth in the draft letter both
in regard to the Native States of India and tho State of Bahrein are
described in terms which tho Secretary of Slate for India cannot
unreservedly ncccpt as correct. I n present circumstances, and in view of
our recent authoritative interference in Bahrein, it seems to Mr. Brodriek
sufficient that the Political authorities should lie directed to act, as is
proposed by the Government of India in paragraph (i of their draft
letter, by steadily, and, as far ns possible, unobtrusively, increasing their
influence and tho confidence of the Sheikh in their advice and power
to direct and control his external affairs. As regards tho management
of the Customs, it is observed that the Government of India will further
consult tho Resident in the Gulf, and, on the receipt of his reply, their
specific recommendations can receive full consideration.
4-. Should the Secretary of Stale for Foreign Affairs concur in these
views, tho Govornmont of India will lie addressed accordingly.
I am, Ac.,
The Under Secretary of Stale, A. Godi.bv.
Foreign Cilice.

Enclosure No. 2.
Foreign Oilice to ludia Office.
Foroigu OfGcc,
Sir, 27th October 1005.
I am directed by the Marquess of Lansdownu to acknowledge
tho receipt of your letter of the 20th instant, forwarding papors
received from the Government of India relative to tho instructions
which they propose to issue for the future guidance of the Political
Agent at Bahrain.
2. Lord Lansdowno concurs in tho terms of the reply which Mr.
Secretary Brodriek proposes to return to the Government of India on
this subjoct.
I am, Ac.,
The Under Secretary of Stato E. Goiist.
for ludia.