Page 45 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf) 1907-1953

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Public Works. in ordor that certain public works, and more
especially harbour accommodation and the con­
struction of a pier, may bo undertaken. The
development of trade on any considerable scale
is largely dependent upon the execution of
such works. Moreover, it w incumbent upon
the Government of India to take timely steps to
provide against a deficit on tho demise of the
present Sheikh, to whose successor, Sheikh
Ilnmed, they are committed.
The Customs question has also separate import-
mice in connection with tho Arms Traffic.
It should be lx>rno in mind that at one
period Bahrein was renowned for its fertility,
and that it is capable under wise government
of becoming so again. It possesses an excellent
water supply, and the climate is far more
suited to Europeans than that of Kishm or
Muscat. Situated about half way between
Capo Musandim and the mouth of the Shat-.
cl-Arab, in geographical position it possesses
advantages as a trade centre which are superior
to those of any other place in the Gulf under
present conditions. Some idea of the commerce
of the island may he derived from the fact
that the export of pearls from there was
475,000/. in 1901, and the total trade of
Bahrein increased 30 per cent, between 1905
and 1906, when it reached 1,454,000/. exclusive
of pearls. Of the steam tonnage entered in
the port in 1900, British vessels represented
100,983 tons; American, 3,913; and German,
6,205.
If a British “ Commissioner ** with commercial
aptitudes could bo appointed to control the
customs and gradually to facilitate the establish'
Free Port under British Control, ment of a trade emporium and of an open
market., such action would go far to promote I
the commercial interests of this country. More­
over, such a state of affairs could not fail to
attract in still greater numbers than at present
the merchants of Lingah and other places, where
the appearance of the Belgian Customs officials
has givon rise to much dissatisfaction.
It appears very desirable to anticipate German
Bank. action by opening a bank at Bahrein, and some
Bombay house might be approached in this
connection.
Bahrein being the centre of the pearl industry,
and.in close proximity to the coast of El Kutif,
which is infested with pirates, tho installation of
Wireless Telegraphy. wireless lelegrnphio communication between the