IOR/R/15/1/143, ff 50-58

The letter and its enclosures concerns the renewal of hostilities between the inhabitants of Bahrain and Demaum [Dammām], under the Shaikh Muḥammad bin Khalīfah and Shaikh Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh respectively. Kemball writes that an attack by Shaikh Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh’s subjects at Dammām, with the assistance of the Wahabee [Wahhābī] ruler, has taken place against Bahrain. The attack, which involved 120 boats and 2,000 men, was unsuccessful and resulted in heavy loss. Kemball states that the British Agent in Bahrain [Hajjī Jāsim] was in Dammam and Katiffe [Al-Qaṭīf] shortly before the invasion took place, yet appeared to detect nothing of the attack’s preparations, and has betrayed “much want of sagacity”. Kemball discusses at length the implications of Wahhābī interference in the hostilities between Shaikh Muḥammad bin Khalīfah and Shaikh Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh, and the difficulties of Britain’s position in relation to these hostilities. Kemball writes that he intends to visit Bahrain immediately, specifically to ascertain the future plans of Shaikh Muḥammad bin Khalīfah, and whether he intends to go to war against the Wahhābī ruler Ameer Fysul [Emir Fayṣal].

The following enclosures are included with Kemball's letter:

1. The summary translation of extracts from a letter (folios 54-55v) from Hajee Jassim [Hajjī Jāsim], the British Agent at Bahrain, to Kemball, dated 6 July 1854;

2. An extract from a letter (folios 55v-56v) from Jāsim to Kemball, dated 18 July 1854;

3. An extract from a letter (folios 56v-57) from Jāsim to Kemball, dated 19 July 1854;

4. An extract from a letter (folios 57-58) from Jāsim to Kemball, dated 22 July 1854;

5. Letter no.254 of 1854 (folio 58v) from Kemball to Commodore George Robinson, Commanding Officer Persian Gulf Squadron, dated 25 July 1854.