Page 106 - Su'udi Relations with Eastern Arabi & Uman (1800-1870)

While admitting the right of the Su‘udl ruler to collect zakah from al-
Bahrayn, the Resident denied his overlordship in that country and insisted on
the removal of the Al Khalifah rival party from al-Dammam.854 Faysal deemed
it in his own best interest to avoid confrontation with the British power as
much as possible, and thus contented himself with the collection of zakah,
maintained normal relations with the British, and even requested that the
Resident make an effort in solving the dispute between the quarrelling parties
of the Al Khalifah. Shortly afterwards, the Resident embarked upon
negotiations with both the ruler of al-Bahrayn and his cousin, Muhammad b.
‘Abd Allah, and brought about a settlement whereby Muhammad b. ‘Abd
Allah agreed to abandon all claims to the chieftainship of al-Bahrayn and
refrain from aggression against its ruler.855 In return, he was to be allowed to
reside peacefully at al-Dammam and receive the revenues of a number of
villages and estates on al-Bahrayn.856 This arrangement, which promised to
put an end to the family feud and bring peace and order to the region, did not
last long. The British effort to defend the current regime in al-Bahrayn, along
with the subsequent agreement concluded in 1856 between Muhammad b.
Khalifah and the British government in which the former was treated and dealt
with as an independent ruler, had some effect on Muhammad’s future
conduct.857 Elated by the implications of complete sovereignty, and
encouraged by British determination to fend off any outside powers that might
try to disturb the existing political situation in al-Bahrayn, Muhammad b.
Khalifah grew bolder and more aggressive. He eventually disregarded the
terms of the agreement with his cousin, suspended the payment of the
revenues assigned to Muhammad b. ‘Abd Allah, and began to harass the
latter’s trading vessels.858
However, it was not until 1859 that Su‘udi-Bahrayni relations began to
deteriorate drastically. The ruler of al-Bahrayn carried out a threat to suspend
delivery of zakah to the Su‘udis unless Muhammad b. ‘Abd Allah was removed
from al-Dammam. He also began to instigate some of the tribes in Qatar
against the Su‘udi subjects on the coast. Irritated by such developments and
hoping for the replacement of Muhammad b. Khalifah by his more cooperative
rival and Su‘udi protege, Muhammad b. ‘Abd Allah, Faysal sent orders to the
Su‘udi governor of al-Hasa to aid Muhammad b. ‘Abd Allah in preparing for
an invasion of al-Bahrayn. In addition, Faysal ordered the governor to lend
Muhammad 1,000 men.859
Hearing of these preparations, the British Resident in the Gulf promptly
despatched the Persian Gulf squadron to al-Bahrayn to avert the attempt.
Furthermore, he threatened Muhammad b. ‘Abd Allah with severe measures
if he refused to abandon his designs. The Resident also wrote to Faysal, asking
him to withdraw his support of Muhammad.860
While the Resident’s procedure deterred the projected expedition, it did not
alter the Su‘udis’ claims toward the island. Replying to the Resident’s letter,
Faysal not only justified his support for the actions carried out against the ruler
of al-Bahrayn but also made it clear that he considered the latter as a feudatory
deserving punishment for his misdeeds.861 Faysal also protested against
British interference in local affairs. Realizing, however, that he was in no
position to compete with the growing British power in the area, Faysal tried
not to provoke further hostility.
Nonetheless, the Resident, in compliance with the resolution of his

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