Page 251 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

MUSIC AT. 209
ties aware of the line of policy adopted by the British Government, in
order to insure their co-operation with the other chiefs and tribes, pre­
pared to do their utmost to maintain their independence, or to secure
at least their neutrality. A communication from Syud bin Mootlulc,
accompanied by a letter from Korshid Pasha to the authorities of
Mu skat, calling upon them to afford him every assistance, under penalty
of being considered in the light of enemies, received no attention, and
the bearer was summarily dismissed.
The Tmaum’s opportune return from Zanzibar, in September 1S39,
tended to check the disturbances and quarrels which had arisen among
some of the tribes only partially acknowledging his authority, and his
judicious measures completely restored tranquillity. His Highness, as
well as Esai bin Tarif, and the Chief of the Boo Gowarah, who were
now in attendance upon him, most earnestly urged upon the British
Resident the advisability of his Government taking possession of the
island of Bahrein,—a measure which, considering the direct opposition
exhibited by its chief to the British policy, his daily drawing closer
his connection with the Egyptians, and the universal feeling of dis­
gust and hatred he had caused throughout Bahrein and its depen­
dencies, by his oppressive conduct, and the exactions and tyranny he
permitted to be practised by his kinsmen and sons, would, they con­
tended, go greatly to confirm the supremacy of the British Govern­
ment in the Gulf, and be hailed with delight by every well-disposed
individual.
The Imaum lost no time in evincing proofs of his determination to
coincide in, and to act up to the views and policy of the British Go­
vernment, with reference to the Egyptian invasion. He exhorted the
Brymec Shaikhs by letter to use every endeavour to maintain their
independence, and resist to the utmost of their power the efforts of
Bin Buttal, another Egyptian Agent, to obtain possession of their
forts, and to rely upon his warmest support in the promotion of this
object.
Esai bin Tarif, finding that the British Government was not disposed to
guarantee any arrangements which might be entered into between himself
and Shaikh Abdoolla bin Ahmed, or to establish him at Biddah, on the
Guttur Coast, under its protection; the possessions of His Highness the
Imaum being also too distant from the pearl banks, to admit of his
settling there; and most cogent reasons preventing an attack upon
Bahrein, in which His Highness’ co-operation had been promised,
namely the unpleasant contingency of the chief of that island calling in
the Egyptians to his assistance, and virtually placing it under their
authority ; and determining, under any circumstances, upon leaving
Aboothabee, proposed to settle with his tribe (thenceforth relinquishing