Coll 30/114 'Proceedings of H.M. Ships.' [‎330r] (659/1203)

EXTRACTS ROM THB I-RSIAN &ULF INTaLXj r,-:NC ^ REPORT
FOR THE MONTH OP MAY. 1956 .
« * *
MUSCAT.
Gwadur. The import of raw materials, viz., wool
grain and mate from the interior into Gwadur is reported to
he decreasing every day. This is due to (a) the establishment
of Customs posts by the Kalat State on the frontier, (b) to
the increased customs duty levied by the Muscat State and
(c) to the payment of the cost of goods in Gaz, a local
copper currency which is not current in the Mekran and which
causes importers to lose two annas in a rupee on exchange.
(Muscat I.R.)
Bel*ah . With reference to paragraphs P of the
March and April Intelligence Reports, it has now been fairly
definitely established that the murderer was Abdullah bin
Salem of the Shihuh tribe; it is therefore proposed that
the Sultan^ representative should demand that he be sent to
Muscat for trial. As the authority of the Sultan over the
Shihuh tribe is not great, it seems to be probable that the
demand will be refused, in which case somewhat stronger
action may have to be taken.
XXX
6. Smallpox . The Trucial Coast A name used by Britain from the nineteenth century to 1971 to refer to the present-day United Arab Emirates. was reported to be
free from smallpox on 16th May, but this state lasted for only
one day as, on the 17th May, fourteen cases were reported at
Ras A1 Khaimah. Umm al Quwain has now about fourteen cases
but the Trucial Coast A name used by Britain from the nineteenth century to 1971 to refer to the present-day United Arab Emirates. Medical Officer is not declaring it an
infected port. Batineh Coast is reported to be afflicted;
the Medical Officer’s report has not yet been received.
BAHRAIN .
7. On 18th - 19th April there was a ’’rough house” at
the Bahrain American Petroleum Co. Camp, in the course of
which the Resident Manager was assaulted and several people
were injured, fortunately none very seriously. The Political
Agent’s help was invoked by the Company and Special Constables
were appointed, also a strong body of Bahrain Police under the
Commandant (Mr. C.D. Belgrave) was stationed on the outskirts
of the camp.
On ??5rd and ?4th April the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. held a
judicial enquiry with the result that the four ring-leaders
who were British (Tyne-siders) , were ordered to leav*=> the
Island by the mail steamer sailing the next day.
There has been no sign of any further trouble, and it
seems well to emphasise that there are no indications of trouble
between the American and British personnel. Indeed the
Political Ag^nt has received representations from the
remaining British personnel expressing disgust at the conduct
of the few men concerned, and requesting him to take action in
the matter in order to safeguard the good name of British labor
on the Island.
(Bahrain I.R.)