Page 298 - Records of Bahrain (3) (ii)_Neat

714 Records of Bahrain

r difficulty, though it rai#it bo neoossary to oonvoy that tho rulpr-
would be supported if necessary. Shaik Abdulla suggested that
thia might bo effeoted by the ruler making an announcement to a
publio mooting at which you wore present, and to which you might
add Government's approval of the reforms.
It xxh would seem that if we afford this support we might,
not unreasonably, require tne ruler to improve his administration

and to set aside an annual sun for works of publio utility.
Although the collection of revenuo is momentarilyat a
standstill and the shaiks are at a loss as to what to do, I have
advised them not 'to hasten matters without mature reflection but
to strengthen their position, and favourably impress their subjects
by the commencement of some ordered administration. They have
agreed to this, and issued orders for tho opening of a Government
office with two regular clerks for dealing with public business,
and for the establishment of a regular court for the disposal of
casos among thair subjects, in v/nich a rough record of proceedings
will-be kept. These improvements, together with some others
are being strongly demanded by public opinion.
The matter of taxation is temporarily postponed, but is bound to
arise g again in tho course of tne next few weeks. I request that
I may be instructed as to the attitude I should adopt in the
matter.
I have etc.,
Sd. C. P.Doly, Major ,I.A.,
Political Agent, Bahrain.