Page 319 - Records of Bahrain (3) (ii)_Neat

Reforms and unrest, 1923 735

carrying out 6uch reforms would be a comparatively simple
matter. But before entering upon details, it appears to me
advisable to examine the consequences which their introduc­
tion is likely to involve in the conditions at present
ruling in Bahrain, which make the problem more difficult of
solution than when Govornment la6t considered the question.
5. The difference lies in the increased obstinacy and
obstructiveness of Sheikh Isa himself. When I delivered the
Government of India warning to him in March 1922, he was
thoroughly alarmed by the demonstrations of the Bahrainis,
and by the fear that drastic action was going to be taken.
His fears speedily wore off when he found that nothing
happened, and the question of reforms was not pressed.Since
then hi6 character seems to be steadily deteriorating, owing
X no doubt to increasing ago. Though physically he appears
to be in sound health, mentally he i6 in his dotage.
Completely ''--minated by an ignorant and despotic wife, he is
utterly opposed to change of any 6ort except 6uch as will
directly increase hi6 income without adding to his respon­

sibilities. As an example of the old man’6 Intransigeance*,
Major Daly reports that the Municipality of Manameh have been
trying in vain for the last two years to secure his consent
to a scheme for the supply of water and electric power to
the town. The whole Municipal Council supported by nearly
all the notables and both his 6ons approached him recently
and begged him to give hi6 approval. Though he was not a6ked
to contribute in anyway to the cost of the undertaking, and
was even offered a royalty on the water, he resolutely
• refused to agree, and would assign no reason for his refusal
' which is depriving the inhabitants of much needed benefits.
As an example of hi6 credulity and ignorance Major Daly
mentions the following:-

The roads near Manamah are being repaired and Major
Daly procured some old rails discarded by the Array for use
for small bridges. The Sheikh refused to allow these to be
used on the ground they were Government property, and
Government would claim the ground they were in]
6,