'File 10/4 I Trade Reports' [‎426r] (866/1102)

3.
all imports. In June 1920 on the advice of the GoYeiment of
India the tax on goods landed at Bahrain in transit for the
minland was redded fro® 5 per cent to 2 per oent at whicxi £jkp
figure it fonaerljr stood. Baq?ort dut/ of Ks.10/- per banal e of
hides and !$.&/- per basket of dates is charged. The Oustoas
work is carried on bj a European director of Customs wader the
orders of the Buler of liahrain.
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On its northern shores Bahrain is blessed mth an
abundant water supply from springs and more recentfro®
artesian wells, in agricultural expert has been eaggged sad
experiamts have commenced; it is hoped that with increasing
]£nowle<%e better use will be aiade of the wide arm of fertile
soil available, as recently as 150 /ears ago Bahrain was famouf
for its cotton,which was exported ai far afield as Baghdad 9 and
there is no reason why those days should not return. So far
no market for fertilisers or agricultural instruments can be
said to exist,and anisial manures only are employeu.
b a h k s.
A branch of the Eastern Bank exists at Bahrain and trans
acts all classes of business,and the Eundi system is also used
by the Hindu merchants.
fhis Sank is also the State bank of the Bahrain Gotera-
meat.
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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. , Bah rain, who is in close touch wiih
local aad mainland affairs,sail be glad to answer any enquiries
regarding trade from merchants in the Waited xCingdom throu^i
the Department of Owerseas Trade. Sn^uiries from India should
be mde through the Director General of Comercial intelligence
at Calcutta. Time would probably be saved by addressing the