Page 34 - The Persian Gulf Historical Summaries (1907-1953) Vol IV_Neat

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dmwal of the Egyptian army from Nejd made
any furtlior negotiations on this subject un­
necessary.
Tho dissensions amongst the various members
of tho ruling family of Bahrein had by this time
reached such a pitch as to give the greatest
cause of anxiety for the safety of the Gulf.
Khalifa died in 1831, and was succeeded by his
son, Mahomed. Botweon the latter and his great-
uncle, Sheikh Abdulla, there had always been
jealousy, and in a short time civil war broke out,
and finally led to tho discomfiture of Abdulla
and his expulsion from the island.
In 1845 the British Government exerted their 1845.
influence *at Bahrein, when they objected to
tho interference of Persia, and ordered the
exiled Sheikh Abdulla to abstain from disturbing
tho peace of tho Gulf.
In 1817 the ruling Sheikh, Mahomcd-bin- 1817.
Khalifa, offered allegianco to Great Britain,
which, however, was refused, though ho was
assured of the continuance of the good-will and
friendship of the British Government.
In 3818 Abdulla died, but the feud with the 1848.
Khalifa family was vigorously maintained by
his son, Mahoinod-bin-Abdulla; and the history
of the period which intervened up to the time
(1809) that tho latter was declared a public 1859.
enemy and confined by the Government of India
in the fort of Assurghur, resembles in every
essential the history of preceding days. Piratical
outrages were frequent; the Resident’s advice
was asked only to be disregarded; agreements
were brokeu as soon as made ; trade languishedj
the common people were oppressed ; the Waha-
bees, egged on by a restless ambition, aided and
abetted Maboraed-bin-Abdulla; and, finally,
when a descent on Bahreiu was imminent, the
British Government were compelled to expel the
rival Sheikh from his asylum at Domaurn.
Shortly afterwards the ruling Sheikh, on being
remonstrated with on account of certain lawless
acts, declared his allegiance first to Persia, and
afterwards to Turkey. lie was compelled by the
British Resident to raise tho blockade of the
Wahabee ports which he had instituted, and, in
1861, a “ Perpetual Treaty of Peace and Priend- lbiil.
ship” was concluded with him. By this the
engagements entered into in 1820 were declared
to bo valid and in Jforce, the Chief as “ Inde­
pendent Ruler of Bahreiu ” bound. himself to