Page 407 - Records of Bahrain (3) (i)_Neat

Turkish interests and Persian claims, 1906-1909 397

bo a dependency of the mainland State,Which the Chief of
Bahrain otlll olaimu as morally and theoretically hie*
0. On iny return to Bahrain, I Informed Shaikh Baa na
noon aa pooslblo of the result of my trip,and ho axjo noe
aaid that lie deulred to make a written protest on the sub-
Joot of the Turkish occupation of ZoJchmmiya.He remarked
that hio father Shaikh All had built the forthwith the
concurrence of the Nojd Anir,Bin Saud (Tiho then ruled the
adjaoent mainland),for the protection of hia central pos­
sessions, and that for some yeara lie had kept a garrison on
the island.Ifhen the necessity for this had ooauod he had
withdrawn hio men,but at a latter date one of the Chief
Dowauir had repaired the fort with hio,Shaikh flea*a,penals-
olon for a residence.The island wau an unproductive posoes-
oion,and on account of the blood fend vrith the A1 Morra it
was not very jafe now lo live on,but at the same time the
Shaikh objected strongly,to the Turks annexing the place.
Another poouession,outside of the Bahrain Islands,which the
Chief holds and from which he derlvue several hundred
a in revenue oach yoar,is the roef situated about 7
miles from Budaiya (Horth-wost town of Bahrain),which 1b
actually on the west or mainland side of the deep water
o.hannol from hatif to OJair.This reef named Labaina include,
the two iolots(3 feet high) ,marked on the Admirality Cliart
”0.1.Bahrain to OJair”whioh are respectively known as
Labainat al Aliya and babainat as Safliya.The Shaikh takes
a tax from all t/he boats which collect turtle shell on
these loleta,and if the Turks maintain their right to
Zakhnuniya,thoy may soon uwe fit to olaim the two northern
islets, as they olaiiaod the ilazwa Sand-bank Abot Katif in
March 1907.
9.
I enclose a translation of Shaikh Baa's formal
letter of protest,and venture strongly to recommend that
favourable consideration bo given to it.
I have the honour to be.
sir, 9
your most obedient servant.
5
mitioal Ment,Bahrain^01''