Page 411 - Records of Bahrain (3) (i)_Neat

Turkish interests and Persian claims, 1906-1909 401

From Viceroy, 23rd May 1909.
Foreign Secret. Bahroin, Xu March last Mudir of Ojair visited island of
Znkhnuniyah and ran up Turkish flag on ruined fort on the island.
Zakhnuuiyah is small island 10 milos south of Ojair, has no permanent
inhabitants, but is froquoutod in wintor by Bahrein Dowasir and claimed
by Sheikh of Bahroin. Pridoaux, who visited island on 18th March, found
Turkish flag attached to a mast on the fort. Ho was informed by Dowasir
that Mudir had enquired whether thoy were coming under Turkish rule.
They ropliod in nogativo, and refused to comply with Mudir’s request to
run up and lower Turkish flag daily.
Cox tolegraphs, 6th May, that tower on the Island has now boon ropaired
by Turks who have arranged to keep guard of 20 men there relieving them
from Ojair daily. Sheik of Bahroin desires to protest against Turkish
occupation. lie says that fort was built by his father, Sheikh Ali, with
concurrence of Nojd Amir, and that ho used to keep garrison on tho island.
We consider that claim of Sheikh should bo supported. His Majesty’s
Government have nevor recognised Ottoman jurisdiction as extending south
of Ojair. Wo recommend that Porto be informed that island bolongs to
Bahroin, and they bo pressed to issue orders to Mudir to romovo garrison
posted on tho island. Cox also recommends, and wo agree, that Sheikh of
Bahroin bo advised to fly his flag thoro. Copios of correspondence were
despatched by mail of 20th.

From Secretary of State to Viceroy, Foreign Department,
4tli June 1909.;
Foreign Secret. Zakhnuniyak Island. His Majesty’s Ambassador at
Constantinople instructed 30th May to bring facts to tho notice of ’Porte, and
to ask thorn to Bond orders for the withdrawal of tho garrison on tho ground
of avoiding any disturbance of tho status quo.
It seemed desirable not to raiso question of our protectorate over Bahrein
in tho first instance. As to proposed advice to. Sheikh to fly his own flag,
rosult of our representations can bo awaitod boforo deciding on any line of
action.