Page 117 - The Persian Gulf Historical Summaries (1907-1953) Vol IV_Neat

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APPENDIX (A).

(By Mu. E. Parkks.)

(1.) British Declarations to the Persian Government respecting their Claim
to Sovereignty over Bahrein.
IN 1822 a Convention was couoludod between Captain Bruce, then Resident of the 1822.
EaHt India Company in the Persian Gulf, and the Vi/.ier of the Prince Governor of Furs, Mr. E. Ilcrtslet’sMomo-
adinittiiig the right of Persia to Bahrein. This Convention was never ratified, but, on ran um, are i , ,
the contrary, tho urrangoinent was entirely diaavowed by the Government of Bombay,
who, oh a public mark of tlioir disapprobation, removed Captain Bruce from Ilia poat. 1820.
2. The India Office have stated that, in 1825, tho Persians laid claim to tho IndUOfllco letter, April-0,
Bovureiguty of Bahrein, and that the British Government refused to recognize tho
claim.
8. Sheikh Abdulla of Bahrein was, in consequence of family dissensions, driven
out of tho island, and sought to enlist tho sympathy of Persia. It was reported to Her
Majesty’s Government, in 1844, that the Persian Government intended to take part, in 1844.
tho disputes. The Persian Prime Minister was consequently informed that, unless Tq Colouel Shvi| 03,
Persia could show a clear and indisputable right to the sovereignty of Bahrein, she must August 21,18J-T.
be prepared to encounter, in any scheme of tho kind, the active opposition of the
British Government. To support further representations, arguments wore supplied to
Colouel Sheil showing generally the grounds on which Iler Majesty’s Government were Mp E< Hortslot's Memo*
unablo to recognize as valid the claims advanced by Persia to the sovereignty of randum, March 23, 1871,
Bahrein. p. 8.
4. In February 1848, the Persian Govornmout objected to British interference in 1848.
tho affaire of Bahrein, but were informed that tho British Government could not Colonel Farrant, No. 11,
recognize as valid the claims advanced by Persia to the sovereignty of tho island. May 2, 1818.
5. A11 understanding was arrived at, iu 1881, between the Government of India
1861.
aud the India and Forcigu Offices, that Bahrein should be regarded as independent uml To India OlUcu, February
as subject neither to Turkoy nor Persia. Subsequently u Treaty was concluded with 12, 1801.
tho Sheikh (as an independent Ruler) for the suppression of piracy, and Her Majesty'b Frdolt of Inolonuro* in India
Government refused to concur iu a proposal madu by the Shah that the sovereignty of Office lottor of March 23,
Bahrein should be transferred to the Persiun Crown. 1870.
G. In 1802 the Persian Envoy at Paris complained of tho seizure, by British 1862.
authorities, of a vessol belonging to the Sheikh of Bahrein. Lord Cowley informed him
that Her Majesty’s Government could not vccoguize any claim on the part of Persia to ^o Lord Cowloy, No. 209,
question their proceedings iu regard to Bahrein. February 22, 1802.
7. Iu roply to a complaint made respecting the proceedings at Bahrein of the
1869.
British Resident, the Persian Minister in Loudon was informed, on tho 5th March, To Gonoral Mohxiu Khan,
18G9, that the Sheikh of Bahrein wus an independent Chief, with whom tile British March 3, 1800.
Govorumeut had Treaty engagements, and whom they must hold strictly to the
performance of those engagements.
8. In the course of negotiations rclutivo to the status of Bahreinesc iu Porsiu, the
British Chnrg6 d'AfTuires was instructed, iu February JilOG, to inform the Persian 1906
Government that His Majesty’s Government had never admitted ownership or
Boveroignty of Persia over Bahrein, and such a claim was wholly inadmissible. lie was To Mr. Grant Duff. February
furthor to state that His Majesty's Government considered the island and its inhabitants 0,1900.
to be under British protection, and must decline to entertain any further representations ebruar* Jw'uMXl °
on the subject. * '
9. In 1907 tho Persian cluim to the sovereignty of Bahrein wus uguin urged, ou 1907.
the ground that it had been uoknowlodgod in the Agreement made iu 1822 by Cuptaiu
Bruce. Tho British Ministor at Tehran reminded the Persian Grand Vizier that this Sir C. Sprlng-Rlco, No. 3,
Treaty hud beeu exnrussly disavowed by the British Government, uud that Cuptuiu January 3, 1007.
Bruce had beeu reculled.
Sir C. Spring-Rice added, in a later note to the Grand Vizier, that the Shah 8ir C. 8pring-RUe, No. 61,
himRelf had refused to recognize tho stipulutious of the Treaty, which hud never been March 27, 1907.
ratified.
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