Page 345 - Records of Bahrain (3) (i)_Neat

Turkish interests and Persian claims, 1906-1909 335

2

According to documents in the possession of His Majesty’s Government/ not only
tho suporior British authority, but the Shah of Persia, expressly disavowed tho action
of their subordinate officials in 1822, and consequently according to tho law.and
practico of civilized nations, tlioso proceedings wero null and void.
Sinco 1822 the Turkish Government has raised claims on Bahrein, and, like tho
Porsian Govornmont, has been informed that Bahrein is undor British protection.
Tho Persian Govornmont will, I have no doubt, acknowledge that my Govern­
ment will have somo causo for surprise on learning that uftor the lapso of eighty-two
years a claim is suddonly advancod, whioh has been formally and solomnly repudiated
by tho Shah of Persia, and will have some difficulty in reconciling such a claim oitlior
with a rogard to tho law and practice of nations, or with tho desire, so frequently
expressed, to maintain tho cordial rolations botweon tho two Governments.
I avail, &c.
(Signed) CECIL SPRING-RICE.