Page 71 - Records of Bahrain (1) (ii)_Neat

Rebellion of Al bin (Ali and Al Bu Amain, 1835-1039 429

On the 11th December 1838 the Resident reported the
arrival at Bushire on the 9th of the same month of Hajee Bhoo
Shaah, and forwarded the translation of a letter from the Chief
of Bahrein. The Wuzeer called on the Resident the next day and
stated that the Bahrein Chief was powerful enough to coerce his

fugitive subjects, yet he was too well aware of the evils of
war not to prefer coming to an amicable settlement If such
could be effected with honor. Captain Hennell replied that It
was to be regretted that his Master had not exhibited this
conciliatory spirit before, Instead of allowing matters to
proceed to their present extremity and requested to be Informed
what concession the Shalk would make to avoid the threatened
hostilities. The Hajee's, answer was that Shalk Abdoola wished
the British Government to offer Its guarantee to the Al-l-ally
that provided they consented to return to Bahrein their lawful
claims should be settled, and their property returned to them.
The Resident replied that In the first place any guarantee
from us was out of question, and In the second their return to
Bahrein was a condition which Shalk Esa and his followers would
never agree to; upon this the Hajee said that to avoid the
effusion of blood his master would even consent to satisfying
their claims, provided they would leave Aboothabee, and settle

on the coast of Gutter. Captain Hennell Informed him that at
an earlier period some hopes of such a proposition being
favorably received might have been entertained, but that he
feared It was too late, as only a few days remained to the
period fixed for the commencement of hostilities and added
however that he was too anxious to avert the distress and
misery which would arise from a war, not to take advantage of
any opening which might offer for an amicable adjustment of
differences. Captain Hennell however Intimated to the Hajee
that If he were prepared to enter Into negotiations for this

desirable object, he would take on himself the responsibility
of despatching a vessel of war with the Hajee to Aboothabee,