IOR/L/PS/5/428, ff 258-267

This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 22 of 1844, dated 29 February 1844. The enclosures are dated 18-19 January 1844.

The enclosures comprise despatches from Captain Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, to John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government, Bombay, with related enclosures including Hennell’s letters to Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, HM Chargé d’Affaires at Tehran.

The papers cover British policy with regard to the de facto ruler of Bahrein [Bahrain], notably: the Governor of Muscat’s wish to support Shaik Mahomed bin Kuleefa [Shaikh Muḥammad bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah] in obtaining possession of the island and retaining it (including translated extract of letter, f 262) and Hennell’s preference that the Governor of Muscat not get involved; ‘intrigues’ between former chief Shaikh Abdoollah bin Ahmed [Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah] and the Persian authorities regarding the former’s intention of re-conquering the island; confirmation that Abdoollah bin Ahmed has landed in Bushire [Bushehr] and that the Ameer of Sheeraz [Amir of Shiraz] has asked permission from the Persian Government to assist him in re-conquering Bahrein; and Hennell’s view that the Ameer’s expedition will not take place and advice to Sheil that he persuade the Persian Government not to provide monetary aid.