Page 297 - Records of Bahrain (3) (ii)_Neat

Bahrain and the British, 1921-1922 713

at length.
4. Tho impartial collection of the existing pearling tax.
Tho abovo scheme would be acceptable to the Bahrainis, but the
Sunni tribes might not bo agreeable, as they have been permitted
to considertherasolves practically_imraune_from taxation. I was
soundod as to whether tho ruler could expeot support from Govern­
ment, in tho event of his introducing necessary reforms, should
there be disinclination on the part of the Sunnis to accept them.
I naturally gave no answer to this, and it is to request instruc­
tions on this matter that this report is written.
To sumraarise-
1. If the Sheiks as in the pa$t, seek to oppress the Shiahs
to compensate themselves for their inability, or disinclination,
to collect taxes from the Sunnis, they will be faced with conti­
nual disturbances, in which, I am of opinion, we shall sooner or
later be involved.
2. If tho/ forego most of tho revenue from the Shiahs, they
will inevitably bocomc bankrupt in the near future, and we may be
faced with tho necessity of talcing over their affairs, as was the
case in Uascat. I learn from several sources that Shaik Easa is
a good deal in debt privately. It is believed he is also indebted
to his Director of Customs.
Shailc Abdulla is in debt and Shaik Hamad has informed me in con­

fidence that ho also is in debt and that his liabilities are steadi
ly increasing, particularly as he is now unable to e± collect full
revenue from Shiahs, from fear of disturbances.
3. If the Sbakaik Shaiks attempt to introduce the proposed
forms of taxation, the Sunnis may bo expected to object. Should
this be the case the Bahrainis would follow suit, and no collec­
tions whatever would be possible. To overcome this possibility
it has been suggested to me, and I am inclined to concur, that it
would only be necessary for it to be made clear to the leaders of
both Sunnis and Shiahs, that the scheme an<f introduced with the

knowledge and approval of yoursolf. It would then probably be
accepted without
difficul ty