Page 94 - Records of Bahrain (4) (ii)_Neat

396 Records of Bahrain
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2. On the 21st January 1905 the Government of India had expressed tho
opinion to the Secretary of State that the present opportunity seemed
particularly favourable for proclaiming a protectorate.
3. On the 22nd February 1905 His Majesty’s Minister for Foreign Affairs
intimated to the Turkish Ambassador that it was a matter of common
knowledge that the Island of Bahrain and its natives were under
British, protection.
•1. On the 12th August 1895 the British Ambassador lmd informed tho
Porte that all Turkish claims to Bahrain, which was under tho pro­
tection of the Queen of England , were totally inadmissible.
1G. Major Cox had in his letter stated:
“ I do not see how we can expect anything but periodical trouble from a con­
tinuation of our laudable endeavour to carry on the Government of the Islands
through the rule of a chief who has shown himself to possess few, if any, of tho
qualifications necessary for the maintenance of order, the sccuri y of the persons
and of trade...........................................................”
Ilis Majesty’s Government did not accept Major Cox’s suggestion but resolved to
follow a more cautious policy. It was decided that for the time being the activity
of the British Political authorities should be confined to the direction and control
of the Shaikh’s external relations and that tho amelioration of the internal Govern­
ment should be sought by in direct and pacific means and by gaining the con­
fidence and trust of the Shaikh.
17. The position and influence of Great Britain were, however, so Lorimer
states, undoubtedly consolidated by the crisis of 1904-1905 and the relations of
the Shaikh with the British Political Agent improved, though the former still
regarded offers of advice as attempts to undermine his authority.
Trade increased by over 50 p. c. but no progress was made in the matter of
Customs reform.
But it was felt that some features of the internal administration were not
creditable to the “ protecting British power ”—I quote from Lorimer.
1 he slave trade still flourished and slaves were freely imi: jorted from Qatar
and ilasa. Oppression of subjects was rife not only by the Skuikl !i and the members
of the Al Khalifeh the ruling family but also by petty magistrates, and revenue
' authorities and specially by the Qazis who grossly abused their functions. The
■
chief sufferers were the aboriginal cultivating population called the Bahama,
Shiahs by religion, who lived in a condition of virtual serfage and were liable to
forced labour and similar hardships.
In 1905 the Political Agent was authorised to manumit slaves in suitable
and deserving eases.
. i1?’ o! ru.mours ,wcrc current which were not devoid of foundation,
.
lima C desired to place himself under the protection.of Turkey ; but in
1J09 we were apparently sufficiently pleased with him to raise his salute of guns
: l

!
,,,tMl,0Ver""1 n,,d t!l°y done, as distinct from Persia, Turkey
Shaikh h ^l control the Foreign relations < f Bahrain : The’
:
nownr MM ,h,J?8clf not to enter into relations with any other
of Foreigners ntlSU Govcr,lment th<*cforc undertake tho protection
2* aspect of this, obligation is that Great Britain is bound
10 )ro™ct Islands from any external aggression or assault.
= • Ascend an i iIm*1 *.n^u°,l<:c ftnd authority arc and must be in the
and nrhdn W'™"':influence is political both n character
anr■g‘.VCS °rcftt Britain fc,,c right to claim that in any
be followed'* atluc*,ca high importance her advice must
\