Page 35 - Records of Bahrain (2)(ii)_Neat

Persian and Turkish claims to Bahrain, 1870-1874 361

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To.this the Porte replied by demanding 10,000
silver dirams as blood money, and the seizure and
confinement of the murderer; failing compliance
with which demands, he declared that Bahrein
must expect forcible measures to be taken. The
Sheikh thereupon placed himself in the hands of
the British Agent, and Midhat Pasha, influenced
probably by the presence of'British vessels on the
spot, left the Gulf without carrying out his in­
tended visit to the island.
With reference to these events, the Govern­
ment of India stated that they were of opinion
that the Chief of Bahrein's expression of regret
af the occurrence of the murder was sufficient,
and that no reparation on his part was called
for: they added that they considered that, if it
had not been for Colonel Polly’s deputation to
Bahrein, very serious complications might have
arisen ; and that they had expressed their approval
of his action in the matter.
No. C, January 30, 1872 At the suggestion of the Viceroy of India,
Mr. Rumbold was instructed to tell the Porte that
the British Government was willing to arbitrate on.
the question; and he was further told to move the
Porte to consent to this, and to state at the same
time that, if indemnity were demanded, strict orders
should be issued from Constantinople to the Pasha
to make no attempt to support the demand by
force, or even a show of it, pending the arbitration.
Mr. Huinbohl, No. 23 ; To this the Porte replied that it was awaiting
February G, 1872.
information as to the true facts of the case, but that
on receiving them, the suggestion of the British
Government should be considered.
Indio Odicc, Fobriyiry 2-1, 1872. On receipt of ibis' reply the Duke of Argyll
suggested, in the event of the Porte being unwilling
to accept the arbitration of the British Government,
that it would be expedient to propose to the
Turkish Government a reference to the French
Consul at Bagdad, a perfectly disinterested officer
near at. hand, who might proceed to Bahrein and,
after making due inquiries, arbitrate on the spot.
March 30, 1872. In the following month, howover, Mr. Rumbold
telegraphed that the dispute was in a fair way of
ncttlcmcnt between Midhat Paslm and the Bahrein
authorities, and that, the Porte therefore saw no
use in arbitration; and the matter was finally
settled by the Sheikh of Bahrein consenting to pay
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