Page 234 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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transmission of the loiter; and I further think that, in putting into n Bahrein port, the mes-
senger clmllcngod tho chance of a retaliation which all Arab tribes habitually piactico.
“ It 19 in my opinion to he further homo in mind that it docs not appear that any
intimation had ever been made to the Chief of Bahrein of the occupation of Lubsa and Ojair
by Turkish authority.
“ From all that. I havo heard and seen of tho Bahrein Chief § I am persuaded that, tq. the
best of hie knowledge and ability, he is most anxious not only to observe a strict neutrality in
reference to the TurUish Wahabce contest, but is striving by every means to avoid any mis*
understanding winch might tend to enable others to lix a quarrel on him."
138A. Tho lettor from the Chief to Midhut Pasha was as follows :—
a A few days ago the Turkish Commodore anchored in the harbour of Bahrein, and I
deputed my brother, Sheikh Ahmed, to proceed on board and weloomo him.
11 During the visit tho Commodove, it appears, referred to the death of a man of the Beni
Ilajjir tribe, which occurred on this island 6ome months ago, and stated it was the intention of
Your Excellency to visit Bahrein in view to enquiring into this matter, as tho man was a
messenger sont by the Turkish authorities at Lahsa.
“Although myself at the time extremely vexed at the circumstances whioh led to, and
were connected with, the death of the Beni Ilajjir tribesman, I refrained from troubling Your
Excellency, or the Exalted Government at Constantinople, on the subject.
“Aftpr the remarks of tho Commodore, however, to the effect that the messenger waB a
Turkish Government servant, it seems on all aocouuts proper that I should address Your Ex­
cellency.
“The facts of the case there were as follows
“1st.—About two years ago Nassir-bin-Mobavek, with a following of the Beni Hajjir
tribe and others, embarked from tho Katif and Ojair coast, landed at Bahrein, pirated the
island, murdered my lato father, Ali-bin-Kkulccfa, the then Chief of Bahrein.
112nd —About three months ago a man arrived from Ojair at a village on southern end
of Bahrein and was recognized by some of the Bahreinccs as a tiibosman of the Beni Hajjir,
related to Nassir-bin-Mobaivk, and who had been concerned in the proceedings which resulted
in the murder of my late father. Thcso lhihrcinccs thereupon followed the custom whioh
everywhere obtains among the Bedouins when at blood fued, and killed the man.
“3rd.—The tribesman's corpse was subsequently searched, and some letters or other docu­
ments were found on it, and were brought to mo with a report of the cause and circumstances
of the mau 8 death. Among ihose documents were two at least, which I beg to particularize,
rtz., one which there was reason to suppose came from a Turkish subject; and, secondly, one
which intimated to its addressee that ‘ the news is such as you would wish, and the Exalted
Government are trying for Bahrein. Gwuttur, and other places to the detriment of the enemy
and to the rejoicing of friends. You will shortly receive news which will gladdeu you’.
“ As regards the letter from Turkish subject, I preserved it unopened, showed it-s envelope
to 1 he British officers then at Bahrein, and with their approval transmitted it unopened by the
same boat in which it arrived to its addressee.
" As regards the socond letter (namely that threatening my island with capture by the
Turkish Government), I perused it with equal astonishment and alarm.
“ Such briefly being tho circumstancos of the case, and being now given to understand
that the Beni Hajjir tribesman was a incss3iiger of the Turkish authorities at Jjluisa, I beg to
express my sincere regret that a servant of the Exalted Government should have been killed
within my territory, and also to add an expression of my regret.
11 W»-"That no intimation should have been made to rao by tho Turkish authorities at
Lhasa of that district having pissed under the direct rule of the Sublime Forte.
"“"That when scleoting a messenger who might havo to visit Bahrein, the au^°”~
i ties at Lhasa should have selected a man of a tribe known to be at blood feud with the Bah-
reinces, and a family connection of Nassir-biu-Mobarck, notorious for haviug caused the un­
timely death of tho late Chief of Bahrein.
• -That the mesvnger should have carried no credential or passport whoreby he
might have been recognized us a servant ot' Your Excellency's Government.
. '* a messenger now declared to have been despatched by tho Commandor*in
Chief of the iudcisli forces at Lhasa, distant only two or three days' march from the island o
Bahrein, should have been found to be tho bearer of a letter addressed to Gwuttur, intimating
tho desire of the Government of the Sublime Porto lo capture my territory.
“I beg the favour of Your Excellency’s causing, at Your Excellency’s convenience, the
alovo explanation un i remarks to be communicated lo tho Government of Ilia Imperial Majes­
ty the Sultan.’’