Page 323 - Records of Bahrain (3) (i)_Neat

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British influence and foreign interests, 1904-1906 313

In this connection it should be mentioned
that an inquiry was received from the French Govern­
ment in July 1004 as to britigitii/ Bahrain within the

jurisdiction of their Vice-Consulate at Bush ire, the
reason given being that French subjects had come to
establish themselves on the island and carry on pearl
fishing. The Government^were in favour of postponing
the reply to the French request, and so far as this
Office is aware, the matter has been dropped, It
would not be surprising now if Germany also were to
raise the question of consular representation in the
island.
In August 1904 the Gov­
Hr. Brodrick's despatch dated 5th
August 1904 (2929/04). ernment of India were auth­
orised, with a view to strengthening our position with
the Sheikh, to appoint an officer of the Regular
Political Service as Resident, in the place of the
existing Agent (appointed in 1901). who was of a lower
Native
official status. A small guard of ^Infantry was also

sajictioned, and it was arranged that a suitable vessel
should be placed at the disposal of the Political
Officer to be used if necessary in the suppression of
piracy in the shallower waters of the coast, This
vessel has not yet been provided, but in February last
the Government of India told Major Cox that they
584/06 hoped shortly to make arrangements for its provision.
Cir//. 0 'Conor's despatch Sir//. O'Conor, who was con­
of 28th June 1904.
(2929/04) sulted, stated that he had felt
strongly for some years past, that
we were losing the opportunity of asserting our suprem­
acy in Bahrein, that he sincerely welcomed the propo­
sals of the Government of India, and that he undertook
that the Turkish Government should raise no serious

difficulties.
The officer appointed was Captain Prideaux.
Two incidents that took place in Bahrein
tawards