Page 107 - PERSIAN 9 1941_1947

-9-

clubs and, on the other hand, of certain Persians Joining the :
Consulate Sports Club and Library, Football and hockey matches
•* *
were also organized in which young Persians showed themselves
keen to take part.

The Residency was able to assist the local administration
in a number of ways and to help in improving local conditions*
An important step in this direction was the initiation of a
water conservation scheme to alleviate the acute shortage of
drinking water in the town* Assistance wa3 also given in

arranging for the repair of the local electricity plant, in
securing transport for the distribution of food and the movements
of troops and Road Guards and in many other ways*
Towards the end of the year a Reading Room was opened and

run as a club in order to attract the support of the more
influential members of the community. Amenities at this
Reading Room include a wireless set, a small hut expanding
library of Persian books, a wide selection of Persian newspapers,
magazines and periodicals (together with propaganda books and

pamphlets) and light refreshments, The club is run by a
managing conmittee of Persians; and members include the Governor,
the Heads of all the local Government Departments and most of the

leading merchants,
A cinema van, provided by the Public Relations Bureau,
supplied a much needed want; and performances, whether at
Bushire or other centres in the Governorate were enthusiastically
received.

The numerous activites undertaken to improve relations
between British and Persian undoubtedly achieved a considerable
measure of success, To the good feeling which resulted can

perhaps be attributed the fact that at Bushire, where important
war cargoes were handled throughout the year, not a single act
of sabotage occurred.

/ SECTION 7.