Page 35 - Records of Bahrain (3) (i)_Neat

British interests and influence, 1898-1904 25

I bcliovo Sheikh Esa bin Ali has made himself unpopular of late years
by his acquiring money in a manner unacceptable to his subjocts, to defray the
increasing demands on the part of the rising families or his relatives, and
through this unpopularity tho rival aspirants seo a possible opportunity for
themselves on his death, and it appears to mo that it is only tho fear of tho
Government that has kept these aspirants from attempting his removal during
his life-time. A proper control of tho customs in Bahrein for tho benefit of tho
Sheikh and his successor, instead of its being leased out for a stipulated sum
annually, would soon find tho means to meet au augmentation in tho allowances
now paid to tho various members of the family which will tend to establish a
peaceful succession.
Leaving all other considerations out, tlioro is no divided opinion as to tho
importance of Bahrein as a commercial centre, and in the interests of trade it is
highly desirable that its tranquillity should remain uudisturbed, which can
only bo maintained by extending our influcneo over tho island and its ruler.
Tho times have vastly changed within the last few years, and it behoves our
Government now to lako every opportunity to maintain our prestigo and influ­
ence in tho Gulf. There is no doubt, in my opinion, that our influence would
bo groatly increased if tho Government of India wero to recognize Sheikh
llamcd as tho successor to his father, without augmenting our responsibilities
which already oxist as set forth in Article 2 of the Treaty of 1801 with tho
Sheikh of Bahrein, which wo must respect so long as ho carries out his obliga­
tions laid down thorciu.
1 may Btato that during my stay in Bahrain in IS95 I freely mixed with
the natives with a view to gain their confidence and acquiro an idea of their
views and feelings towards their ruler and tho Government. I came away with
an impression that every one from the Sheikh of Bahrein downwards enter­
tained an implicit trust in tho Government and thoroughly believed that in
every emergency they would bo protected by the Government with tho wliolo of
tho resources at their disposal if necessary.
This bcliof has created in them a fooling of security, and has boon a great
factor in bringing about the presont flourishing state of commerce which has
increased by more than 40 per cent, since 1S90 and is likely to grow steadily so
loug as that fccliugof security exists ; and as India has tho lion’s share in tho
trade of Bahrein, there is tho more reason for strengthening the means by which
its steady extension may bo assured.
Tho succession of Sheikh named will only affect tho members of tho rul­
ing family of Al-Khalifah and not the inhabitants of Bahrein generally, and,
to my mind, any action which may bring tho affairs of Bahreiu more under
our control and aid towards securing the inhabitants against a despotic rule, as
our increased influcneo over a previously recognized successor is likely to do,
will be welcomed by them.
Busiiire ; (Sd.) J. CALCOTT GASKIN,
The 30th April 1808. } British Vice-Consul, Bushire,

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0. C. tali, Simla.—No. 700 F. D.-26-10.08.-43,