Coll 30/9 'Persian Gulf: Administration Reports 1926-1938' [‎477r] (958/1028)

£ Potion of trade between Nejd and Kuwait continued and most
ot the JNejd trade passed through Bahrain to the ports of Jubail, Qatif and
XJqair. *
The Wahabi influence increased in Qatar during the vear and many
presents of arms and ammunition were made by the Shaikh of Qatar to Bin
Sa ud.
Bin Sa ud has realised that he cannot depend on the foreigners employed
by him. He has accordingly sent 7 students to Egypt for education.
During the year foreigners were prohibited from holding land in Hasa.
In March the Hindu traders living in Qatif were expelled by order of
Bin Sa ud, but as a result of representations made through the Consul at
Jeddah, they were given a limited permission to return in order to collect
outstandings and to carry on the date trade.
On 11th November 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. visited Qatif and on 25th De
cember Mahomed bin Suwailim, Amir of Qatif returned his visit at Bahrain.
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. and the Bahrain Government’s relations with the
neighbouring Nejdian Governors were good at the end of the year. The
Deputy Ruler of Bahrain’s inclination is to defer to Bin Sa’ud’s wishes in
every possible way.
Qatar.
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. paid two visits to Qatar during the year.
Shaikh Abdullah’s relations with Bin Sa’ud remained good throughout
the year. The cordiality between them was marked by Bin Sa’ud’s gift
of a Georgian slave girl, who was sent to Shaikh Abdullah in July and by
costly presents valued at Rs. 50,000 presented in Riadh to the Shaikh of
Qatar’s relations, who were returning from pilgrimage. Shaikh Abdullah
appears to have made return gifts of arms and ammunition.
In spite of Shaikh Abdullah’s denial, when questioned by the Political
Agent, there is little doubt that slaves are imported from the interior and
sold freely in the Qatar markets.
Shaikh Abdullah himself treats his slaves well and is probably anxious
to ease the lot of the unfortunate blacks, but his influence throughout his
principality and even in his own capital, where his brothers defy him, is
small. The lot of the slave who has to dive for his master in summer and
shepherd the sheep and collect firewood in winter is not a happy one.
The import by sea of slaves mostly Baluchis is very small. There is no
regular trade but 8 or 9 men and women may have been surreptitiously
imported via Abu Dhabi and Dalmah.
The Customs revenue for the year was about Rs. 1,23,000.
Slaves .—12 slaves were manumitted during the year.
Climate .—The hot season was normal. 3-87 inches of rain was registered
during the year.
A statement showing highest maximum, lowest minimum, average
maximum temperature and rainfall during, the months of the year is append
ed herewith.
C. C. J. BARRETT,
Political A gent, Bahrain^
i
71F&PD