Page 341 - PERSIAN 9 1941_1947

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SKCTION VII
Shlpulnp and Commercial*
(a) The centralisation of trade control in

Tehran under the Middle East Supply Centre and the Foreign
Trade Control Department of the Persian Government together
with the continuance of restrictions on exports from India
continued to affect most seriously the trade of Bushire

as that of South Persia generally, although shipping
restrictions provided another factor affecting trade
adversely at the beginning of the year, a slight improvement
was effected subsequently. The calls of the B.I.
steamers became somewhat more regular and merchants were
able to obtain some shipping space for exports of local

products, though this was still greatly restricted.
Merchants found that practically all the wholesale import
trade had fallen into the hands of Tehran merchants and
licenses and permits were practically unobtainable by

provincial merchants.
(b) a. total of 58 British vessels with an
approximate tonnage of 143,326 tons called at Bushire
during the year, and 3 foreign ships with a tonnage of
22,976 tons. Sugar, tea, and cotton piecegoods were

the main imports while exports consisted chiefly of gum
tragacanth, attari, skins, and livestock.
(c) At the beginning of the year the inland

transport situation was unsatisfactory, lorries being
available largely for Government cargo only, The
merchants were naturally dissatisfied with this aspect
of the administration of the Hoad Transport Department.
Gradually the situation improved and by the end of the

year an average of about 100 lorries arrived at and left
Bushire every month.
(d) Country craft continued to play a considerable

part in trade between Gulf ports. Approximately 145