Page 361 - Records of Bahrain (1) (i)_Neat

The war with Muscat, 1828-1829 349

consequence of which Abdoolla had said both to our Agent, and my
Native Assistant, who had gone over there, that he considered we had
withdrawn ourselves from the affair and that it must now end in
cither his or the Imam's destruction, The Messenger then said that
the Imam would make peace on these terms, I again recalled to his
mind that we could in no way guarantee them, that doubtless we
should be most unwilling, although we could not guarantee to see any
peace which we had any hand in negotiating, broken, This I thought
right to declare to both parties that they might understand what our
views were. The Messenger again concurred, and asked me if I would
make a communication to Bahrein on the subject. I said yes,
provided he would write me a letter stating it to be H.H.'s wish
that I should propose a peace on the footing of neither party having
claims on the other. He then said that he would make the
communication in writing that I wished. I asked the Messenger what
he conceived the views of the Chief of Bahrein were. He said that
he conceived that he was very desirous of being at peace and that
H.H. was also very desirous of the same.. In reply to his pressing
for my opinions of what it was best for the Imam to do, I said that
I could give no opinion utterly ignorant of H.H.'s interests as I
was, and most desirous that he should In no way injure himself on
our account. The Messenger admitted freely that H.H. interests
required peace.
Enclosure No 7
Translation of a Note from Hajle Abdool Ameer, Agent from H.H. the
Imam, to Major Wilson dated 24 Aug 1829.
AC I have seen and perused the letter addressed by you to Shaik
Abdulla bin Ahmed. The two conditions which you propose in it as
the basis of peace between H.H. the Imam of Muscat and the Shaikh of
Bahrein arc advisable for His Highness and it is to his advantage
also that the sufferings of the poor trading people should be
removed. The first condition is: There shall be peace between the
two parties with their several allies and no claims for money on
either side. Second. This alliance shall bind the parties not to
assist the enemies of each other but shall not bind them to assist
each other.
Enclosure No 8
Letter to Shaik Abdoollah bin Ahmed from Major Wilson, Read, in the
P. Gulf, dated 24 August 1829
AC It appears to me possible that H.H. the Imam of Muscat might be
induced to listen to proposals for the accommodation of the
differences which now exist betwen him and you on the following
basis:
First
There shall be peace between the two parties with their
several allies and no claims for money on either side.
Second
This alliance shall bind the parties not to assist the
enemies of each other but shall not bind them to assist each other.
I wish you to let me know distinctly whether I am authorised on
your part to say that you agree to peace being restored on the basis
of these two Articles provided H.H. the Imam of Muscat will consent
to the same.
I have already told you that the British Government will never
guarantee any Treaty whatsoever but if a peace be made It will not
see it broken by either party without infinite regret and
displeasure towards that party which may be the aggressor.