Page 359 - Records of Bahrain (1) (i)_Neat

II

The war with Muscat, 1828-1829 347

frigates had an action with one of the Bahrein Merchants Buglas, and
allowed her to escape and then two Frigates failed in doing anything
decisive against the Bahrein Fleet of small and great vessels which
they cannonaded for a short time off Koh Marburuk. On account of
these occurrences, the pride of the Bahrain Chief is nearly beyond
all bounds and it will require a great effort on the part of the
Imam to recover the same degree of weight and ascendancy he formerly
possessed in this Gulf.
12. Although it appears to me extremely advisable and indeed
Incumbent to save the pride and credit of such an ally as the Imam
wherever it may be possible, whilst negotiating with other states,
it does not appear necessary to affect to think that the sacrifices
now required by H.H. Interests to obtain a peace would be made in
consequence of our wishes and recommendations. It will therefore be
observed that I was particular in exacting an acknowledgement of
this in No. 7 from H.H.'s confidential Agent, whilst I have
invariably interposed myself to save appearances by making all the
communications and proposals to the Bahrein Chief in my own name.
13. The only subject on which it now remains for me to offer any
observation is that of the guarantee both parties are disposed at
this moment to wish for, but particularly the Chief of Bahrein who
it will be observed has constantly pressed it upon me. I cannot
discover from any communication made to me by the Government that I
should be authorised to guarantee any peace whatsoever or even to
express stronger than I have done, the displeasure the Govt, would
testify towards whoever might by breaking a peace become an
aggressor. On the contrary the spirit of my instructions is adverse
to guarantees and pledges of every kind nor can I presume to
recommend the adoption of such a measure as likely to produce any
permanent good, even with the conviction which I feel of the evils
that have arisen and may still arise from a continuance of the war.

14. Reiterated assurances have been given to all parties that the
British Government was determined not to interfer in any
acknowledged wars so long as piracies were not committed, Whilst
these assurances were not believed and it was thought that our
desire for peace was so great that we might easily be induced to
interfere, frequent complaints and appeals were made to me
accompanied by threats of an immediate recourse to arms if I did not
obtain redress, but a steady adherence to the same line of conduct
has produced confessions or indications from every Chief who has
been engaged in hostilities that they are all now eager for peace,
and convinced of the advantage of making such as may be permanent.
It is for this now that our interference is solicited since it is
seen that we cannot be made use of either to support ambition or
obtain unreasonable demands from a dread that the peace might be
broken. Still however our system must always suffer and the
accomplishments of our views be retarded by wars.
15. I cannot form any conjectives as to what the Imam's proceedings
will be after he may receive my letter announcing that I consider
myself to have failed entirely in the negotiations with Bahrein.
The indisposition of the Agent he has sent up here has prevented me
from having much communication with him but from the description of
person he seems to be, he probably is not much in H.H.s confidence.
It is supposed that the affairs of the coast of Africa give H. I
Highness great uneasiness from the revolts that took place some
months ago at Mombassa, which it will be recollected was occupied by
us for a time.
I have etc etc
(Signed) D. Wilson
Res. Per. Gulf Res.
Bushire 5 Sept 1029
Enclosures Nos 1 to 5 inclusive are entered on Page of Vol 13 of
outward letters.