Page 169 - Records of Bahrain (4) (i)_Neat

Reaction to the reforms, 1923 157

Tho 3rd and 4th enclosures aro petitions from tho loading
Baharinah submitted by way of counterblast to tho first petition,
tho making and dospatoh of which had come to their knowledge.
Tho petition and counter-potitions simply confirm tho fact,
which of courso has boon woll known to Government since tho reforms
were first thought of, that tho reforms aro unpalatable to tho
Shaikh and tho Al Khalifah family and tho Sunni Arab Nakhudas,
while thoy aro oxtroinoly popular sth with tho indigenous Shiah commu­
nity. This is as it should bo as the reforms aro in tho interests of
tho lattor.
I.propose to visit Bahrain next weok to soo how matters aro
progressing and will submit a report if one seems called for.
I have, oto.,
Sd.A.P.Trevor, Lieut.Col*,
Political Resident in tho Persian Gulf.

Cnnfidenfri al The^Apncv^Bahrain,
Ho.141/1/9.
Prom
Tho Political Agent, Bahrain,
To
The Hon'ble the Political Resident, Bushire.
Intrigues in TV^erpin.
Sir,
In continuation of my Wo.127/C of £ 4/10/23. Various people
are reported to be still canvassing signatures to the petition
mentioned. Those who have so far signed are said to include the
following
I. Sunni Pearling tkhudas, v/ho were annoyed at the recent
punishment of one of their number for illegally imprisoning
a diver and who above all fear that the Reforms will include
registration and a tax on pearling boats and reform of tho
Salifoh court which is now virtually non-existent.
t/
2. Tlio Dpwasir, who are of course disgruntled at being punished
for their attacks on Shiahs. They are reportod, though it is
impossible to ro/ly on reports, all sorts of rumours being

current