'File 36/28 Quotas of Motor Spare Parts Fixed for Bahrain and Trucial Coast' [‎278r] (556/585)

73
Since I dictated the above note, p.u.cs 2 and 5 have
been received from the State Engineer. They relate to the 50
cracked batteries left, out of the consignment of 130 Good-Year
batteries received by Khalil Kanoo oh March 3th last from
America. Mr. Hutchings tells me that Khalil Kanod has been as
difficult as possible over the whole business. He has produced
no invoices (and Mr. Hutchings is unaware on what basis Mr.
Steele fixed the price of Bs 150 per battery for the undamaged
batteries,) and he is doing his best to frustrate his efforts
to inspect the damaged batteries. The suggestions contained
in p.u.cs 1 and 2 are somewhat confusing. The former suggests
that Khalil Kanoo should be paid 3s 150/- per battery (the same
price as for a completely sound battery) which will cover the
cost of repairs; the enclosure to p.u.c. 3 suggests that the
^rice should not exceed 3s 150, but that purchasers should be
responsible for the repairs.
2. Mr. Hutchings has, I understand^ seen a few of these
batteries, though it seems that Khalil Kanoo has been careful
to let him see only the worst dam ^gd . From what he has seen
already, he thinks that some, e.g. ^which have their plates
cracked, could best be canibalised, while others which are only
slightly damaged, could be repaired and sold as they are. I
think|the best plan would be for Mr. Hutchings to inspect the
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batteries land decide which of them can be repaired. These
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should then be repaired byKhalil Kanoo who, as he will pre
sumably be compensated by the insurance Company for the damage
sustained by these batteries, should certainly bear the expense
of repairing them. They should then be for sale at a price
not exceeding 3s 150 per battery. Those batteries which are
not worth repairing can be canibalised, but I can see no reason
why the new batteries to be made from them should be sold for
more than 3s 150; this point cou4i y however, be decided after
reconstruction was completed. I do not agree that Khalil
Kanoo*s lack of co-operation in this affair should be rewarded
be his being allowed to sell the damaged batterie^ for 3s 150/-
as suggested at "X 1 * in puc 3, while profiting alsQ/the insuranc
money which will presumably come to him.