ABSTRACT
Qatar intensified its pleas for British protection, aiming to drive the Ottomans from al-Bida fort. Although the Political Resident in the Gulf backed by Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, extended his unqualified support to the notion of a protection treaty with Qatar on the Trucial model, London declined to do more than to maintain the s tatus quo . While no decision was taken on the question of a protection treaty, Britain's relations with the Sublime Porte became precarious when the latter appointed administrative officials to three vital towns: Zubara, Wakra and Khor al-Odaid. The Ottomans' attempts to strengthen their position in Qatar by establishing administrative units had no impact on the internal affairs of the country. Following the death of Shaikh Ahmed, Shaikh J asim had once again to take full charge of the administration of Qatar.
