Page 296 - Records of Bahrain (3) (i)_Neat

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Records of Bahrain

TOTCLOStnnSS.

■iSuehmire-Ntr. 1.
India Office to Foreign Offieo.
India Office,
Sir.
i 20th October 11)05.
With reference to previous correspondence relative to the nHairs
ot Bahrein, ending with my letter of the 11th May last, I am directed
by Mr. Secretary Brodrick to enclose, for the information of the
Marquess of Lausdownc, a copy of a letter from the Government of
India, No. 178 (Secret), dated 1 Itli September, and enclosures, on the
subject.
2. Lord Lansdownc will see that, before issuing definite instructions
for the future guidance of the Political Agent, the Government of India
have submitted the draft of a letter embodying those instructions
for the approval of Ills Majesty's Government.
The Secretary of State for India, as at present advised, is doubtful
whether the time has yet arrived for dofining in strict terms the
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 tin: Native States of India and tho State of Bahrein are
described in terms which the Secretary of State for India cannot
unreservedly accept as correct, hi present circumstances, and in view of
our recent authoritative interference in Bahrein, it seems to Mr. Brodrick
sufficient that the Political authorities should be directed to act, as is
proposed by the Government of India in paragraph 0 of their draft
letter, by steadily, and, as far as possible, unobtrusively, increasing their
influence and the confidence of Hie Sheikh in their advice and power
to direct and control his external a Hairs. As regards tho management
of the Customs, it. is observed flint the Government of India will further
consult the ltcsident in (ho Gulf, and, on the. receipt of his reply, their
specific recommendations can receive Tull consideration.
4-. Should the Secretary of Slate for Foreign Adairs concur in these
views, tho Government of India will he addressed accordingly.
I am, Ac.,
Tiie Under Sccrclury of .Slate, A. Godi.ky.
Foreign Office.
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