Page 189 - PERSIAN 9 1941_1947

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cosmopolitan population. The problem was further complicated

by the necessity to control re-exports to Saudi Arabia.
Since there was no price control in that country Bahrain
merchants endeavoured to divert their goods there in order
to obtain increased profits.

The Bahrain Government took a number of measures with
the object of bringing trade under control. The Manama
Municipality opened centres in the town for the sale of
sugar to the public at controlled prices. The export of all
foodstuffs was prohibited, though exports to Persia of

certain non-essential foodstuffs was permitted on a limited
scale in exchange for esential goods brought over from that
country. In June a system of card rationing for rice, flour

and wheat was introduced, and in August a Food Control
Committee was appointed to assist and advise the Food
Controller (Director of Customs, Bahrain) over food questions
and to share his responsibility. Later in the year the
administration of rationing,, which had formerly been in the
hands of the Director of Customs, was transferred, as far as

Manama was concerned, to the Municipality. The imposition
of rationing proved to be an invaluable factor in reducing
consumption of essential foodstuffs; wastage was practically
eliminated, extravagance was curtailed and the people were

compelled by self interest to adopt habits of economy.
Increased prices also, particularly among the poorer classes,
contributed to reduced consumption.
During the year there were several crises when the
shortage of foodstuffs was felt acutely. On each occasion,

however, the arrival of fresh supplies brought temporary
relief. Steps were taken to obtain wheat from Canada and
Australia, and the Bahrain Petroleum Company generously
placed