Page 177 - PERSIAN 4 1890_1899

RESIDENCY AND MUSCAT POLITICAL AGENCY FOR THE YEAR 1803-04. 7
Ras-el-Kbymah territory was liable to raids from Debai in consequence of
the hostilities between the latter and Shargah, wliicb have been referred to.
It was also threatened with an attack by the Chief of Bokha in the same con­
nection.
No redress has yet been obtained in the complaints by Ras-el-Khymah
subjects referred to in the' last report; the Persian Government has not even
furnished a reasonable answer to these charges of outrage at Bunder Abbas and
Khargu, which, there is reason to believe, are well founded.
3.—BAHRAIN.
A new tax on divers and pearl boats, imposed by the Chief of Bahrain,
caused much discontent.
The result of the year’s pearl-fishing showed a great decline, the take being
only about one-third of the average. This was mainly due to the outbreak of
cholera, which appeared in July and soon became very severe, the mortality
rising at one time to 150 daily. The epidemic had ceased by the end of August,
when some 7,COO persons in all are said to have fallen victims to the disease.
This number is probably exaggerated.
In August the Kaim-Makam of El-Katif again caused notices to be posted
up at that place asserting Turkish sovereignty over Bahrain ; and the Wali of
Busrah, on a protest being made against such pretension, appeared disposed to
support the Eaiin-Makam’s action. The Porte, however, withdrew from this
position, claiming only to treat the people of Bahrain as Turkish subjects within
Ottoman territories. On this point the right to extend British protection to
the subjects of the Shaikh, whenever occasion might demand, was maintained.
H. M. S. Laincing was sent to Bahrain to restore general confidence in
November.
There were some complaints of the treatment of Bahrain boats visiting
El-Katif.
Shaikh Salman, son of the Chief of Bahrain, died near Riadh in August
while on his return from a pilgrimage to Mecca.
In March last heavy rain fell in Bahrain and caused much damage to pro­
perty and houses, six or seven men being killed by the fall of houses.

4.—EL-HASA AND OJAIR.
In consequence of the reports in June of a large tribal gathering of the
Beni-Hajar, Al-Murrah, and Manisir, to attack the Beni-Khalid, it was
necessary to provide a guard ot Turkish troops to escort the El-Hasa caravan
for Ojair. The projected raid collapsed, the tribesmen returning with little
booty.
In February 1894 the Bedouins of the Dowasir tribe raided a caravan on
the road between El-Hasa and El-Katif, and carried off some goods; on learn­
ing, however, that the caravan was escorted by a man of their tribe, the robbers
made restitution.
5.—EL-KATIF.
Cholera broke out at El-Katif and lasted for over a month in July and
August. At the commencement of the outbreak, the death rate was 10 to 16
daily ; it subsequently rose to 60 or 60 daily.
The Wali of Busrab visited El-Katif on his way back to his head-quarters
from El-Bidaa in May.
The people of the place having petitioned against the Kaim-Makam
and complained against his malpractices, he was removed from his post in July.