Page 87 - Records of Bahrain (2)(ii)_Neat

The re-opcning oj the Persian claim, 1885-1888 413

73
CHAPTER XXVIII.

Intrigues to establish Persian Sovereignty over Bahrein.
1887-1888.
a68. We had to mention above* the ill-treatment and plunder of Persian and
• P«r«Rr.ph 355. Indian traders at Uiclaa, and we have seen
Biternil A., Auguit 1088, Nos. 447M03. what action was taken by the British Gov-
ernment as regards the Indian traders. As regards the Persian subjects, the Shah
of Persia asked the British Charge d'Affaircs at Tehran early in October 1887
whether we could assist him in procuring restitution of the property said to have
come to 30,000 tomans taken from them by Jasim-bin-Thani. The British
Chargd d'Affaircs enquired of the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf whether
this was possible. The latter's reply, dated 6th October 1887, was—
" Our relations with Jasim arc just now in a critical state, but 1 hope to come to
amicable settlement regarding British claims very soon, after that if Shah or Persian Gov­
ernment wishes I might be able to assist and would gladly make an attempt."
269. The Persian Government (at this time controlled by Amin-cs-Sultan)
then proceeded to take the matter in their own hands, apparently after some
undqrstanding with the Turks. They found ready, tools in one Malck-ct-Tujjar,
who signed himself as " Governor in the Persian Gulf," and the Persian General
Haji Ahmad IChan. The ambition of these two men inspired by Amin-cs-Sultan
was not merely to exact compensation from Sheikh Jasim, but undercover of this
ostensible object, to take advantage of the disturbed condition of affairs on the
Pirate Coast, in Katarand Bahrein, to establish the Persian control over the
Sheikhs of those places. Accordingly on the one hand we find Haji Ahmad Khan
sailing in February 1888 with 150 soldiers to the Pirate Coast and attempting,
though, without success, to hoist the Persian flag at Ras-ul-Khcymah, Um-cl-
ICowcyn and Shargah and to induce the Chiefs of those places to accept the
Persian protection. On the other hand Malck was busy intriguing towards
Bahrein side. He received a telegram from Amin-cs-Sultan to say that the
Persian Government were in correspondence with the Turkish ambassador about
the Persian claim against Sheikh Jasim that the assurances should be given to
the Persian subjects, who had grievances against him. Malck was also reported
to have received telegrams from some disaffected Bahreinese offering assistance
if he would undertake annexation of the island to Persia.
370. We may note the following telegraphic correspondence, indicating
their movements, and the- action taken by
Exteriul A., Auguit 1888, Not. 447-483.
the British Government..
Telegram, dated Bushirc, tlio nth February 1888.
From—The Political Resident in the Persian Gulf,
To—The Foreign Secretary, Calcutta.
Following telegram was despatched to British Chargd d'Affaircs.
General Haji Ahmad is reported to have proceeded from Kishm toward Arabian coast
accompanied by 150 armed men; object not
No. 453.
yet known. 1 have no fear for Oman ports
and am at present taking precautions about Bahrein. Malck followed Haji Ahmad in
Pirsefiolis on 6th, taking Turkish Consular Agent with him; lie pretends to have no con­
nexion with Haji Ahmad, but it is quite certain both act under orders from capital, and a
special messenger has arrived with swords of honor for Malck and Haji Ahmad. Latter's
proceedings mav cause disturbances and prove dangerous to himself. Any attempt against
Bahrein would be repelled by our ships if necessary. Governor-General of Basrah sailed
in Turkish gun boat for Ncjd port.
Telegram, dated Bushirc, the 1 alls -February. 1888.
From—The Political Resident in. the. Persian Gulf,.
To—The Foreign Secretary, Calcutta.
Following telegram was received from British Chargd d'Affaircs, Tehran.
Your telegram of yesterday. Amir is absent and it is too late to warn him of possible
No> „ consequent of his Agent's actions. 1 hope
there is no danger of a collision with our ships
[C943PD] S