Page 209 - Records of Bahrain (1) (i)_Neat

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The General Treaty with Britain, 1820 199
840

Bahrain affairs in connection with the British expedition against
Ras-al-Khairaah, 1819-1820.

When in 1819 an expedition was despatched from Bombay against British
the piratical stronghold of Ras-al-Khainiah, the policy of the British Gov- jn
ernmont in regard to Bahrain was defined as one of complete abstention reeard to
Bahrain.
from interference between rival claimants to possession; and it was
resolved to inform the 'Atbi Shaikh that, so long as ho restrained his
subjects from piracy, lie would reap the advantages of a friendly neutrality
on the part of Britain, whereas, should a piratical spirit manifest itself in
Bahrain, the same measures of coercion would be applied to the JUtub
as to the Qawasim. The conclusion with the Shaikh of “ an engagement
similar to that negotiated by Mr. Bruce in the year 1816,” which
would assure the 'Utub of the benevolence of British intentions, was also
contemplated by Government. From tho general line of action thus
marked out there seems to have been no deviation.