Page 376 - PERSIAN 9 1941_1947

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summer by running water bargos from Abadan, and have repaired,
and are in the process of extending, the bitumen road running
from the Desman fblnce towards the main square of the town.
They have also kept in operation the three desert water wells
fitted with windmill pumps which they presented to the Shaikh
in 1942 and 1943.
Since August they have been making on extensive
meteorological survey, and latterly marine and coastal surveys,
to collect data on which to base plans for future development,
and a combined British and American Technical Mission has
visited Kuwait to examine the problems involved.

In November Mr. C.M. Roseburgh, Chief Pipe-Line
Engineer of the Gulf Oil Corporation of America, also paid a
two day visit to the Kuwait Oil Company.
XIII. EASTERN GULF OIL COMPANY.
In August some drilling equipment and a staff of
seven American technicians arrived to start exploratory
drilling for sulphur, as required by the Eastern Gulf Oil
Company's concession. By the end of the year they had drilled
three wells and started a fourth in the vicinity of the Kuwait
Oil Company's No.l oil well. The results, however, were most
disappointing.
XIV. IMPERIAL BANK 0? IRAN.

The Imperial 5ank of Iran has continued to do
business on a fairly substantial scale. It appears to be
popular amongst the mercantile community who continue to avail
themselves of ohe facilities it offers. The number of *the
Bank's customers, already large, has increased to some extent;
but towards the end of the year there was evidenc-e of a decline
in the volume of its operations due, in large measure, to the
increased restrictions and controls on the import and re-export
of goods.

The Bank still occupies the sarle premises, but it is
intended, on the return of more normal conditions, to request
the Shaikh to build a new office which will be leased from him
by the 3ank, a course to which His Highness has agreed.
l!r.2.3. Katheson, who was awarded the £5.3.2. in the
New Year's honours, held charge of the bank until the 2nd
October when he was relieved by Mr.H.;.". Kalg-, who held charge
until the close of the' year.
XV. VISITORS.
A considerable number of service personnel continued
to visit Kuwait throughout the year. The Royal Air Porce
maintained a rest house for this purpose in the first half of
the year, but later discontinued it as the rent was found to be
too high. It is now intended that they should take over
the house occupied by the Inland Water Transport Detachment
as a rest camp when-the Army vacate it. It has been offered
to them free of rent by the Shaikh.
XVI. METEOROLOGICAL.

Total Rainfall during the year... 5.28"
Maximum temperature (in July).... 1160

Minimum temperature (in February) 45°

Belitical Agent, Kuwait.