Page 39 - The Persian Gulf Historical Summaries (1907-1953) Vol IV_Neat

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obdurate, and a naval demonstration took place.
1905. A Memorandum of demands — including pay­
Admiralty, ment of a lino, tho banishment of certain
April 1, ii»05. individuals, the formation of a guard for the
InJin Ollice,
Uct.ik-r 'JO, 1905. bazaar, and an admission that xukhra, or forced
labour, should not be imposed on foreigners—was
presented to the Sheikh, and acceptance of it was
enforced.
1901. ’On the 27th July, 1901, the French Ambassador
Memorandum communicated a private Memorandum to Lord
communicated by
M. (Jatubou, Lansdowne, suggesting that, as French citizens
July 27, 1901. had established themselves at Bahrein for the
purpose of pearl-fishing, the jurisdiction of the
French Vice-Consul at Bushire should ho ex­
tended to that island.
India Oflico. The India OfTice were disposed to agree to
August 01, 1901.
the proposal, provided the French Vice-Consul
addressed his representations to tho British
India Office, Political Agent. On this point the Government
September 8, 1904.
of India slated that they would ouly recognize
the French Vice-Consul at Bushire as Vice-
Consul for Manama (Bahrein) on the clear
understanding (1) that his exequatur ho obtained
from His Majesty’s Government; (2) that his
dealings he with the British Political Officer
alone; (3) that he should acquire no extra­
territorial jurisdiction. Tho Government of India
furtlur slated that they preferred postponement
of the question until our position os regards the
pearling hanks had been established, especially
as it had been raised in connection with the
proposed pearling enterprise of tho French,
luclnsurc ’»» to which the Arabs objected. The Political
October Ij,’ 1901. Resident in tlio Persian Gulf slated that, subject
to the conditions suggested by the India Office,
the appointment would perhaps he a useful
recognition of our quasi British Protectorate
over Bahrein; and lie should for this reason
have recommended acceptance, if the motive
had not been tho admitted desire of French
merchants to gain access to the pearl fisheries.
The Government of India were of opinion that
the best solution was to drop the question, and
this seems to have been done.

Bahrein Customs.
Tho administration of the Customs at Bahrein,
which is a minor centre of tlie arms traffic, has for
a considerable time engaged tho auxious attention
of the Government of India.
[1098] K