مجموعة ٩/٣٠ "الخليج الفارسي: تقارير إدارية ١٩٢٦-١٩٣٨" [و‎‎٢‎٧] (١٠٢٨/٥٨)

In March a strong agitation against the Shaikh broke out, which, however
he succeeded in suppressing without there being actual riots. His Majesty’s
Government thereupon advised the Shaikh that he would he wise to associate
his people more with himself in the Government of his State, according to
Arab traditions by the formation of a nominated advisory Council such as had
existed in the days of Shaikh Mubarak. The Shaikh disregarded this
advice and in August there was again an outburst of agitation to which
the Shaikh completely surrendered and an elected executive Council was form
ed by the people of Kuwait which drew up a Constitution for the State depriv
ing the Shaikh of most of his powers. His Majesty’s Government informed
the Shaikh and the Council that the relations of His Majesty’s Government
with the State would be conducted with the Shaikh, and that by the virtue of
the latter’s treaties with His Majesty’s Government the conduct of the foreign
affairs of the State would continue to remain in the hands of His Majesty’s
Government. The Council accepted this decision.
At the end of the year there was again some trouble over the newly formed
Council. On the 17th December the Ruler decided, in view of growing popu
lar opposition to the arbitrary use of its power, to dissolve the Council.
There was a tense day and a critical situation resulted since the Council had
apparently determined to remain in power at all costs. His Highness was
equally adamant for dissolution, but eventually agreed to have a new election.
The Council gave way and fresh elections took place. 20 members instead of
14, have now been elected, with Shaikh Abdulla as Salim as Subah, C.I.E.,
as President once again. The Council had not met before the close of the
year.
(d) Education .—During November the local authorities decided upon
free education in the four existing Government Boys’ schools and in the one
Government Girls’ school. The number of trained teachers, from Palestine,
was doubled and two Palestinian school-mistresses were brought m for the
Girls’ school.
(e) Hospital.—The Government have, during the period under review,
consulted an architect with regard to the building of the Kuwait State Free
Hospital. A site has been selected and the cost is estimated to be about
£6,000. The work has, however, not been started.
(f) Imperial Airways .—Owing to the inauguration of the “ All-Up
air mail service by flying boats, operation of the aeroplanes of Imperial Air.
ways 1 thro ugh Kuwait ha! been discontinued, but it is expected to recommence
in 1939. 1 x , ,
(g) Commercial.—(i) Boats.—k note on the number, tonnage etc. of
boats built during the year will be found m the Trade Report for 1937. The
famous boat building industry continues to improve and the yards were p
busy throughout the year. . v .
Ui) Pearls .—The price of pearls is as low as hitherto, with no sign of rise.
1 • Vi T„ mb skins Buying agents of various firms arrived during the year
Qurantine Officer. The quarantine buildings were Kept: m g
—»«• "> ”««• h ”-
Ruler had hitherto forbidden them.
V CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY.
Law and order have.remained unchanged. Security in the hinterland
continued to be good during * he broug ht unusually large number
The lack of early rain m Central Ara n g
of Bedouins to Kuwait and North-East Nejd.
23 (S) EAD