Coll 30/9 'Persian Gulf: Administration Reports 1926-1938' [‎170v] (345/1028)

occurred in Iraqi waters. As an important factor in this problem it must be
remembered that while Kuwaits are amongst those who actually smuggle goods
bv seT into Iraqi territory from Kuwait, on land, where the contraband trade is by
far the greater, it is the Iraqi tribesmen themselves who are the carriers-
Kuwait being merelv the market where they purchase their goods. .
I bn Sand’s blockade of exports from Kuwait into Saudi Arabia was en
forced with the same vigour as previously and continued to cause considerable
loss to the inhabitants of that small Principality, who are almost entirely de
pendent on the transit trade for their existence.
Bahrain. The pearl industry of Bahrain has been a failure due partly to
an indifferent catch and partly owing to a very dull market.
Muscat —No events of outstanding importance took place in the State
chirm" the ‘year under review. The outstanding Muscat problem being that of
finance it is satisfaetorv to be able to report that the financial condition of the
State has considerably‘improved. A few years ago the State was almost on
the ver^e of bankruptcy but by rigid economies the State is now making for
prosperity At the end of the year under review there was a. satisfactory
credit balance, and it is hoped that some of the social services which had to be
cut down to make ends meet will now be resumed.
Trucial Coast—In October an attempt was made on the life of Shaikh Said
bin Maktum Ruler of Dibai, bv certain of his cousins, who conspired to depose
him Since’there was a possibility of local disturbances by which British lives
and property might be endangered H. M. S. “ Lupin” proceeded to that port.
Shaikh Said was informed bv the Resident that he was at liberty to deal with
hi s cousins as he thought fit, but reminded that proper precautions should be
taken to safeguard British lives and property. A Notice by the Resident was
also published in the Town that if such lives and property were endangered,
those responsible for the disturbances would be held to account.^ A flight of
the Royal Air Force demonstrated over the Town. The Political Ageifl,
Bahrain subsequently proceeded to Dibai, where, after some negotiations, the
unruly cousins submitted to the Ruler. A satisfactory feature was that the
settlement was arrived at by the Ruler himself with moral support from us,
which in consistence with our long established policv on the Trucial Coast A name used by Britain from the nineteenth century to 1971 to refer to the present-day United Arab Emirates. did
not involve interference in the internal affairs of Dibai.
Imperial Airways’ aeroplanes continued to use Sharjah Air Fprt without
ir>ridfvnt.
Despite a fairly good catch the pearl trade suffered from the general
depression in the pearl market.
Towards the close of the year negotiations were commenced at. Jedda
between His Majesty’s Minister and the Saudi Arab Government which included
the question of the delimitation of the frontier between Saudi Arabia and the
Trucial States A name used by Britain from the nineteenth century to 1971 to refer to the present-day United Arab Emirates. and Muscat.
Persian Side.
The security of the Persian coastal region as far as Bandar Abbas was
good. Persian Mekran and Bashakard were however the scene of some dis
turbances throughout the year and the Persian Government were unsuccessful
in imposing complete law and order in their districts. A certain number ot
the inhabitants of these areas with their families continued to migrate to the
Trucial Coast A name used by Britain from the nineteenth century to 1971 to refer to the present-day United Arab Emirates. and Gwadur.
Basidu and Hen jam .—Various small incidents occurred during the year
between the British Sloops and the local Persian authorities owing to the
latter’s policy of pinpricks and obstructiveness.
Persian Navy .—The Persian Navy occupied itself with its chief duty of pre
venting smuggling by sea and made a number of captures of sailing craft
alleged to be engaged in that occupation. In a few cases, however, the zeal of
the Commanders appeared to have overcome their discretion and Arab vessels
encountered on the High Seas were interfered with, some being taken to
Persian ports for investigation. At the conclusion of the year these cases were
still under discussion with the Persian Government.
Relations with Local Persian Officials. — Relations with the Governor
the Southern Ports—Muhammad Ali Mirza Rokni, as with his predecessors,
continued to be most cordial.
T. C. FOWLS, Lieut.-Colonel,
Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. -