Page 72 - Records of Bahrain (1) (i)_Neat

62 Records of Bahrain

404 UTTOOHEES.

only object the suppression of plunder and piracy, and nowhere
contemplated any interference in lawful and acknowledged war,
provided always such warfare did not lead to acts of aggression upon
the lives and property of those having no concern therein.
While the ex-chief was yet at Bushirc, a communication was
received from his rival, complaining that a Buted belonging to the son
of Jaubir bin Bushccr, of Bahrein, had been seized by the dependents
of the former at Aseeloo, or Nabend, on the Persian Coast, and therefore
within the neutral ground; and calling upon the Resident to exact
redress. The remonstrance thereon had the effect of drawing from the
cx-chicf an order to the Governor of Nabend for the restoration of the
Buiccl. Before this document, transmitted by a British vessel, could
reach its destination, an exchange of governors had taken place at that
port, and the new one refused compliance with his instructions ; nor
was it till after much delay, and a lengthened correspondence, that the
boat in question was restored to its owner (in July 1S44), immediately
previous to which time Shaikh Bushccr bin Rahmah of Biddali most
unauthorisedly seized and detained two Butcels belonging to Nabend,
in retaliation for the continued detention of the vessel refered to :
lie however liberated them immediately on the receipt of the Resi­
dent’s letter of remonstrance against his undue interference in an
affair which was already in the course of adjustment by the British
Government.
A further communication was received in January 1S44 from the
ex-chief, again earnestly urging his claims for
a. n. 184*1.
the interference of the British Government, and
soliciting its aid, on the ground of all his misfortunes having resulted
from his having been taken unawares at a time when he had deemed
himself perfectly secure, in consequence of his having been led by the
British authorities to suppose that the colleagues would not be
permitted to attack him until the return of his boats and subjects from
their trading voyages. To this application a peremptory refusal was
returned.
The long promised Nujdce land forces at length arriving, and laying
siege to Detnaum, the garrison was very shortly reduced to the last
extremity for provisions and warlike stores. A supply, too, sent by the
Chief of Koweit, failed of reaching its destination, and fell into the *
hands of the enemy, whose blockading squadron, gaining timely infor­
mation of the arrival of the two boats in which it was embarked at
IChovc Balbul, whence it was intended to have been transported by camels
to the beleaguered fort, despatched a force to intercept and make them
prizes. Although the legality of the seizure was not for a moment
war
questioned, and, the capture having been made within the restrictive