TALE OF A CITY 86 anything to the Hindu until I receive orders from you.” 2 On 1 July 1940, the Political Agent in Bahrain forwarded the above memorandum to the Political Agent in the Gulf, saying: “.. 2. I am inclined to agree with the Residency Agent that we should not overlook the disloyal action of the Shaikh of Sharjah Secretary, but it must be acknowledged that we are somewhat restricted at the moment in the action we can take. It may suffice to write to the Shaikh, reminding him of the letter which we sent to him on the outbreak of war calling for his co-operation against the enemy and of his replay (copy was enclosed with my memorandum no.c/563 dated the 19th September 1939).We can point out that his Secretary has committed nominormisdemeanor and ask him to state at once what action he proposes to take to implement his promise that he will punish severely persons who fail to«avoid all topics which the high British Government dislike». This theme can be expanded a little in the hope of frightening or cajoling the Shaikh into effective action . 3. As for the man Tiradas Dhamanmal, I can probably arrange through his employer here for his departure from the Trucial Coast.” 3 The Sharjah Political Agent, al- Ruzuqi, obtained copies of the poems above and sent them to the Political Agent, Bahrain, on 6 July 1940. In his letter he commented, saying: “ 2. The Shaikh of Sharjah took no steps to enquire except that the reduced the tune. Apparently because the propaganda has been carried out by his own men and most probably with his approval. Recently, I heard that one ‘Abdul Aziz bin Saif alMadfa (the sonof theQadhi of Sharjah) composed , of his ownaccord, somepoems praising the allies and condemning the Germans. I heard that when the Shaikh and his group heard it they were annoyed and the Shaikh himself (who is a poet) composed some against the British Government and praising the Germans which he wrote in the name of his son Saqr. I did not believe the story. I was told be a reliable person that a copy signed by Saqr himself was sent to one of his relatives. I tried my best to get a 2 Ibid., pp.1−4. 3 Ibid., p.5.
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