ملف ٢٢٩٧/ ١٩١٩ "تقارير شهرية للمقيمية البريطانية في الخليج الفارسي. ١٩١٢-١٩٢٠." [ظ‎‎٣‎٨‎٥] (١٠٤٤/٧٧٥)

Customs.
Condition
Country.
229. The report that men had been landed at Hindian by the Shaikh of
Kuwait for the assistance of the Shaikh or Mohammerah against the Bakhtian,
is incorrect. The only way in which he appears to have assisted is by sending
, rice from Kuwait.
230. Haji Rais who left Ahwaz for Ramuz to meet the Sardar-i-Jang on the
1st March, returned to Ahwaz on the 10th. His visit to the Bakhtiari was, as
far as its' immediate object was concerned, successful and he proposes shortly
to visit the Sardar-i-Jang at Masjid Suleiman with a view to further agreements
being made. The Shaikh has dismissed his forces. Haji Rais left again for
Masjid Suleiman to visit the Sardar-i-Jang on 18th March.
231. Abdullah Khan, Mujahid, Tabriz!, arrived from Basrah on the 23rd
March. He wished to visit Ahwaz, but was stopped by Haji Mushir, who told him
to return to Basrah. Abdullah Khan is a cartridge maker. '
232. On the night of the 6th March Customs employes tried to inspect a
Muheilah suspected to contain smuggled goods, but were prevented from doing
so by the Arabs who were in charge and who said the Muheilah contained provi
sions for the Shaikh’s men at Ahwaz.
The boat which contained tea was then unloaded and the goods placed
in a godown. The Customs Director requested the Governor to put his seal
on the door, but this apparently was not done and the goods wete finally re
moved. The matter has been referred to the Shaikh. It appears likely that
the incident will prove a test case which will strengthen the Customs Department
in their attempt to stop smuggling.
of 233. There was a fairly good rainfall on the night of the 19th, but unfor
tunately it did not rain in the Karun where it is most needed for the grain.
234. Rains are needed to perfect the crops.
235. The price of grain has reached 16 Liras per tagar and the Shaikh has
placed an embargo on its export. His Majesty’s Consul has addressed the
Chamber of Commerce, Mohammerah, for an opinion as to whether such an
embargo would be hurtful to British Commerce.
British Interests.
236. There has been considerable friction recently between Agha Abdi and
the local European firms with reference to landing arrangements for ships.
Messrs. Gray Mackenzie and Co. are putting the arrangements in the hands
of their European Agent and it is anticipated that other firms will follow suit.
237. Messrs. Gray Mackenzie have taken over the Agency of the Bucknall
and other Steamship Companies from Agha Abdi and his son. The question of the
British India Agency awaits the return of the Shaikh.
Foreign interests. 238. Monsieur Guiseppe Martiros! “ Agent Commerciale d’Italia ” arrived
from Bushire on the 19th March and left for Basrah on the 21st.
Movements of 239. His Majesty’s Consul visited Marid on the 31st January and returned
His Majesty’s Re- on the 2nd February,
presentative.
240. His Majesty’s Consul left for Ahwaz on the 23rd February and
returned to Mohammerah on the 7th March.
Miscellaneous 241. Shaikh Mubarak of Kuwait arrived from Kuwait on the 28th January
and left for. Basrah on the 30th, and returned on the 2nd February. He lunched
with Agha Abdi on the 6th and spoke with the Shaikh over the telephone.
242. Shaikh Mubarak of Kuwait left for Ahwaz on the 11th February to
meet Shaikh Khazal.
213. Lieutenant H. S. Smart, 53rd Sikhs, arrived from Bushire on the 8th
February en route for Ispahan, but is now proceeding to Teheran via Port Said and
Constantinople.
244. Mr. W. Martin, Agent of Messrs. Lynch Brothers, died on the 16th
February.