Page 333 - Records of Bahrain (3) (i)_Neat

Turkish interests and Persian claims, 1906-1909 323

CONFIDENTIAL.

Mr. Grant Duff to Sir Edward Grey.—{Received January 25, G P.M.)

(No. 2d.)
(Telegraphic.) Tehran. January 25, 190G, 11 A.M.
Silt A. HAUDINGK’S despatch No. ISO and my despatch No. 202 of 7th
December last: Bahrein.
Mushir-od-Dowleh lias replied lo Sir A. llavdingo's note oE 22nd August last in
following terms:—
“Persian Government consider Bahrein and inhabitants as thoir unquestionable
property and subjocts, and although thoy expected, in accordance with Treaties, every
assistance from a friendly Power in caso of emergency, they soo that, contrary to
AT- Treaties of 1809, 1814, and 1857, all stops taken by English ollicials have had no other
^>;ss object but to weaken ullcginnco of pcoplo and Shoikhs of Bahrein to the Persian
Government, and to establish thoir own authority in the bond Jidc property of the'
7f. Persian Govornmont. Frequent representations and protests have been mndo both
hero ami in London, Imt although British Government have taken no exception to the
ownership and sovereignty of Persian Government over Bahrein, the British Govern­
ment have not allowed Persian rights to be enforced thorn.
“The present proposals for the intervention of British Consul-General on behalf of
inhabitants of Bahrein, who aro Persian subjects, is one proof of the compromising of
Persian rights ovor ancient subjocts.
“ Such also is the title of Sheikh, and the attributing of owners!'p of Bahrein to him
and tho concluding of Treaties with him.
“ Persian Government aro obliged to protest against such action, which is, in fact,
interfering with thoir lawful territory, and request .Mis Majesty's Government not to
lose sight of Treaty obligations regarding subjects of Shah, whoso allegiance to His
Majesty it should bo tho earnest desire of tho British Government to confirm. Seo
Articlo XIV of Treaty of 1857."
Although language of abovo is not actually uncivil, tone of the note appeal's to mo
open to objection, and I await instructions ns to whether I should refuse to receive it.
Tone of communications addressed to Legations hero has been growing less civil
for some time, and at Court they aro saying openly that Japan has shown Western
Powers what Orientals can do. TJicro have, ns you aro aware, been several eases of
discourtesy to British ollicials this autumn, and I think it most important that anything
approaching impertinence on the part of tho Persian Government, should be promptly
cheeked.
(Addressed to Foreign Oflicc. Sent to India.)