'File 8/16 Bahrain Intelligence Summaries' [‎38r] (75/330)

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On k>.y 18th sixteen shells were fired from ench of the
guns in the course of £ demonstration organized for the benefit
of His Highness the Shaikh by Colonel Hewitt, The demonstration*
which was an unqualified success, took place at Rumaidha and
the Shaikh v/as able to view the oroceedings from the top of a
neighbouring watch tower. The Shaikh, who fired one of the
guns himself, was impressed by the smartness of the gun crews
and was also gratified at the excellent performance of the
guns which fired at targets ranging from 2000 to 8000 yards;
The Shaikh's only regret was that no photographer was present
to obtain a pictorial record of his firing of the gun,
116, Bahrain Petroleum Company
(i) Information has been received that a long-discussed
project for the extension of the Bahrain Refinery has been given
final sanction, and construction work is expected to begin in
September. Between 300 and 500 American Construction experts
will be engaged on the work and employment will be given to some
2000 or more Bahrainis.
(ii) Mr, Ward P. Anderson, General Manager, has been summon
ed to New York to discuss the new project, and hopes to leave
Bahrain in the first week of June, During his absence, which is
expected to be of 2 - 3 months’ duration, Mr. Russell M, Brown,
Manager Operations, will carry out the General Manager’s duties.
117. Suspension of Exploratory Work by Oil Companies
The Iraq Press has given publicity to the agreement
reached by the Iraq Government with the Mosul Petroleum Company
Limited and the Basrah Petroleum Company Limited. Under this
agreement the Iraq Government is to be given by the Companies
a loan of I*D, 1,500,000 free of interest in consideration of
the government’s allowing the Companies to suspend exploratory
work until two years after the cessation of hostilities. The
loan is to be repaid out of royalties accruing when exploration
work has been resumed.
If the terms of this agreement come to the notice of the
Shaikhs of Bahrain and Qatar (as they almost certainly will)
the interests of the Oil Companies operating in their respective
territories are likely to be adversely affected,
118. Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Fighter Fund
Notable contributions to this Fund, made in response to
the Honourable the Political Resident’s recent appeal, have beans
His Highness the Shaikh of Bahrain ... £ 4000
The Shaikh of Dubai Pe 35000
The Shaikh of Sharjah Hs 5000
119, Meteorological
Maximum temperature 97,8 q on May 18th
Minimum temperature •••» 70«6 on May 30th
Humidity exceeded 80$ on four days, the maximum being
87% on May 16th,
3d/- D. B. Wakefield
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. , Bahrain,