Page 462 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

418 UTTOOBEES.

to conceal her designs, still there seemed no doubt that
an effort was
being made by the Porte to extend its influence
over the Arab Tribes
in the Persian Gulf. Shaikh Mahomed bin Khaleefa sent, it is true an
evasive reply to the communication he had received from the Mootascllim
of Bussora; but yet, from the tenor of a conversation held by him with
the Resident, complaining that double duties had been levied from the
vessels of his subjects and dependents by the custom house authorities at
Bombay, and urging that no such demand had been made upon the ships
of those who owned allegiance cither to the Shah or the Imaurn of Muskal
—that unless the British authorities therefore refrained from enforcing
extra fees and customs from his people, he would be compelled to follow
the example of the Shaikh of Koweit, and place himself under the
guardianship of the Porte,—it became manifest, that if the British
Government in India wished to preserve their paramount influence in
the Persian waters they must adopt measures to rectify the present
irregularities, by coming to a speedy understanding with the Bahrein
Chief.
The harbour fees, &c. alluded to by Shaikh Mahomed bin Khalcefa
had been levied in consequence of his vessels not being furnished
with the requisite passes; yet, to show him how unwilling the British
authorities were in any way to alienate or estrange his affections, the
amounts were subsequently refunded, and he was informed that for
the future all Bahrein vessels leaving the Gulf must be provided with
registers, signed by the Resident, “ else would they render themselves
liable to the extra duties levied on foreign vessels entering Bombay
harbour.”
The Resident, too, was instructed to ascertain the feelings of
Shaikh Mahomed bin Khaleefa, and whether or not he was inclined
to enter into a closer connection with the British ; also to avoid as
far as practicable all discussion with the Turkish authorities relative
to the designs they had in view of establishing a supremacy over
the island, as the matter was being referred for the decision and judg-
ment of the Home authorities.
The Persian Consul at Bagdad wrote strong letters of encouragement
to Abdoolla bin Ahmed, assuring him of the support of the Shah
towards the re-establishment of himself in his lost dominions, and
begging him to make every preparation for carrying into effect the
plans he might have in contemplation,—however momentous, however
gigantic,—Persian assistance, full and powerful, would most sure y
be accorded him. Another letter did the same functionary address to
the ruling Shaikh of the island, teeming with false assurances of lnen -
in the blandest terms the great
ship and amity ; urging upon him
the Shah in his prosperity
feeling of interest felt by His Majesty