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174* Part VI—Chap. XLI.
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(«) EXPLANATION OF ARTICLES IV AND VIII OF THE TREATY OF 1820-1820.
311. Wo find that in 1829 the Cliiof of Bahrein wished that tho British
Government should interfere to put a
Vol. 42-800 of 1820.
stop to all maritime war among the Arab
tribes. Tlio Chief’s letter and Major Wilson’s explanation of the articles of
tho Troaty of 1820 are quoted as an enunciation of our policy in tho Gulf
at tho time, which yet shrunk from putting a stop to legitimate maritime toar
as distinguished from piratical warfare.
Translation of letter from Shaik Abdoolla Bin Ahmed to Major D. JFilton, Best dent in the
Persian Qulf, dated 7th December 1828.
I was not aware of your fafe return from Bombay beforo I received your letter and I
thank God that you havo arrived in safety. You intimate to me that Mr. Iieunell bad beforo
informed me that tho English Government did not interfere in any way in tho disputes and
quarrels of tho Arabian Chiefs. I knew this and have by me a letter from my friend Colonel
Stannusto the same effect; God willing, I will shew it to you. With respect lo Said Said, the
Governor of Mrn-cat, you of course know the enmity he has displayed towards me and how ho
h*8 cut off our pearl tishiug and trading. By the Grace of God, we will retaliate his enmity
upou himself and all connected with him. but wo have no intention of injuring or interfering
with others. In the 'i'reaty of tho paciGcated Arabs with the English it is stated in the 4th
Article that they shall not tight one with another. Now Shakboot and his son Tahnoon of the
Baneyas tribe belong to the pacincatcd Aiaus. Notwithstanding on Said Said's making a
requisition for their assistance against tho Chief of Bahrein they rose up, and exerted them
selves in his service and acted iniinically towards us. God willing, wo are desirous of repay
ing them their enmitv. Somo time ago when Captain Lock seized Shakboots and l ahnoons
bugla in Bahrein, I told him that 1 understood it was their iut«-ntion to join the Imam against
Bahrein; to this he replied that if he heard such was really tho case and that they were
serious in their purpose he would not permit it hut would join us. God willing, wc will show
you this letter. ____________
Copy of a letter from Major D. Wilson, Resident in the Persian Gulf to Abdoollah bin
Ahmed, Chief of Bahrein, dated December 1828.
I have had the pleasure of rocciving your letter of the 7th December. As you observe I
have been much afflicted to hear of the war which exists between you and my friend Syud
Syed and Tahnoon to both of whom I have in like manner expressed extreme regret pt this
unhappy circumstance. The best proof I can give of the interest aud friendship the ^British
Government feels towards all is to take no part saving and excepting that of a peace-maker
which we are always desirous of becoming in the belief that the blessing of God rests with all
such.
Prom the manner in which you mention the 4th Article of the Treaty which exists between
the British Government and the pacificated Arabs, 1 am apprehensive that some misunder
standing respecting it may exist in your mind, I tliereforo think it right to send you the
enclosed explanation of it for the purpose of doing away all misconception of the view taken
of it by the British Government.
As in times of war aod trouble the oommon people are apt to become forgetful of what is
beooming in them, and thereby bring those who are over and responsible for them into difficul
ties and dangers, it would afford me much gratification from the interest I take in you, if
you were to remind your people of what is said in the Eighth Article of the Treaty.
“ VIII Article.—The putting men to death after they have given up their arm*, is an act
of piracy, and not of acknowledged war, and if any tribe fhall put to death any person, either
Mohammedans or others after they have given up their arms, such tribes shall be held to
have broken the peace, and the friendly Arabs shall act against them in conjunction with the
British, and God willing, the war against them *hall not cease until the surrender of those
who performed the act, and of those who ordered it.”
Continue to send me accounts of your well-being and let me know if I could do anything
to bring about a good understanding among my friends,