Page 348 - Records of Bahrain (1) (ii)_Neat

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704 Records oj Bahrain

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CHAPTER III.
(i) Tyranny of the Chief of Bahrein, (2) His unfriendly attitude
towards tho British Agent, British subjects and their trade, 1858.
a7*A. While the security of Bahrein was always threatened by external
enemies/ the people of Bahrein enjoyed little peace and contentment within tho
island itself. The ruling chief, Sheikh Mahomed'bin-Abdullah, was a man who
combined in himself the worst qualities of a bad tyrant, tlic most unbridled lust
and creed of wealth, and an uncontrollable temper, ignorance and impatience
against restraint. He was most arbitrary in his dealings with the merchants,
mostly Indians, and any remonstrance against his conduct on the part of the
British Agent he responded to only with insults.
37-B. In 1858 thebanyahs residing in Bahrein, complained to the Political
Resident, Bushire, on two points against the Chief:—
(1) that he levied duties on exports, as well as imports, which alone had
been taxed before.
(a) that he prohibited them from proceeding to Katif, and actually laid an
embargo on one of their vessels carrying the British l?lag. It
was also reported that the Chiel’s tone to the British Agent Haji
Jassim at Bahrein was very insolent.
37-C. Captain Felix Jones took prompt measures to put a stop to the
vagaries of the Chief. He deputed Lioute unt Disbrowc, Assistant Resident,
with a letter to the Chief to remonstrate with him. Lieutenant Disbrowe pro­
ceeded with Commodore Jenkins to Bahrein on board the sloop-of-war the
Ciive in September 186S. ? On arrival at Bahrein Lieutenant Disbrowe
despatched Captain Felix Jones' letter to the Chief, and warned the British
Indian residents to be prepared to leave the island wi.hin 34 hours, in case the
demands made were refused. The first result of this measure was that the
buggalow beaiing the British flag, which had been laid under embargo, was
released, and Sheikh Ali, brother of ihe Chief, was deputed to Lieutenant
Disbrowe to offer an explanation of his conduct. As regards the prohibition
of buggalows bearing the British Flag proceeding to Katif, the explanation
was that the Wahabi Governor of Katif was an enemy of the Chief and that,
it was feared, the visit of the vessels there might raise disagreeable compli­
cations. To this Lieutenant Disbrowe rejoined that the British Flag was fully
. able to uphold its dignity in every corner of the globe without assistance from
other powers. As regards duties, what the British Government wished, was that
they should not be of an arbitrary oppressive character. To this Sheikh Ali
raised no objection. Assurance was also given that the British Agent would be
treated with every respect due to his position. The Chief also requested that
Lieutenant Disbrowe would come and visit him, to enable him to discuss divers
matters. As this request was not complied with, the Chief proceeded personally
to the sloop of-war Ciive, and expressed his regret in the presence of Lieutenant
Disbrowc and Commodore Jenkins at having by his conduct given cause for
offence and disagreement. Both these officers returned the visit of the Chief,
when as a compliment to the British Flag, an Arab Flag was hoisted on his
residence, and a salute was fired.
37-D. On receipt of the report of these proceedings, the Bombay Govern­
ment expressed their pleasure.to learn that the Chief was induced to make amends
for his contumacious conduct and expressed their opinion that Lieutenant
Disbrowe performed the duty assigned to him with judgment and firmness
(Letter No. 3945, dated 6th November 1858).

Chapter IV.—Mahomed bin Khalifa seeks Turkish as well as
Persian protection. Status of Bahrein defined, 1859-1860.
a8. Mahomed bin Khalifa then began coquetting with both the Turkish and
the Persian Governments and playing them against one another and one or other
of them against the British Government, while under the shelter of either of them,