'DAMMAM DHAHRAN PROJECT' [‎9r] (17/26)

opinion that AraiLOO Management mast realise that if ships cannot
depend on receiving reasonable despatch at the port of Daninam,
ship-owners are bound to recoiiipense themselves for the cost of
such delays at the expense of consignees.
To me it appears that much of the trouble with Customs
is due to tlie fact that no one seems to know just what they are
trying to do. There is no proper system or organisation,
regulations are continually being changed and even junior customs
officials may suddenly give new orders which must be carried out.
Ara »eo seem to be in a very weak position which they, to a large
extent, have brought on themselves. Although it was well-known
that the importation of certain articles was strictly prohibited,
nevertheless the Customs on occasional spot checks would con
tinually find s ch items in personnel efx^ects, so now the Customs
insist on opening every package - even Company’s stores - and
Aramco do not appear to be in a position to raise any objection.
(Mr. eraser’s own person* effects have been lying in the Customs
for the past five weeks and he still does not know when he will
receive them.) This of course causes further delay, not to
mention expense and amnoyance to Ara^co, as delicate instruments
are ill treated and exposed to sand have to be reconditioned.
I explained that although my visit was primarily a
courtesy one on my return from leave, I did want to try to find
out, if at all possible, what the future is likely to hold for
us particularly in regard to tonnages coming forward and to viiat
extent we would be required to provide lighterage. Mr. Duncan
had mentioned 48fOOC tons as expected during November, December,
January and l r. CundalM said that he thought 20/j of their cargo
would require to be barged back to Pas Tanura. He said that
their supplies were roughly divided 50/o to Dhahran and 25^ each
to Abqaiq and to Has Tanura, but that part of the Has Tauura
stores would be channelled through Dhahran. This would part
icularly apply to reefer cargo, such as fresh meat, when the
railways have their refrigerated cars operating in January.
(from Dhahran such cargo would go by road to Has Tanura.) I
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