Page 19 - Records of Bahrain (6)_Neat

Accession of Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalijah, 1942 7

Confidential *
No.C/238 of 1942.
Office of the Political Resident
• in the Pereian Gulf,
Camp.Bahrain.
Dated the 26th March, 1942.

Prom The Hon'ble Lieut.-Colonel W.R.Hay. C.I.E.,
Political Resident in the Persian Gulf »
To The Secretary tc tho Government of India.
External Affairs Department,
New Delhi.
0 jo
Sir,
I have the honour to forward herewith a copy of a report'
I have.received from the Political Agent, Bahrain, on the
death of His Highness Shaikh Sir Hamad bin 'Isa al Khalifah,
K.C.I.E.,C.S.I., Ruler of Bahrain, and the succession of his

eldest son, His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Hamad al Khalifah.
2. It is extremely satisfactory that Shaikh Salman's
succession took place so smoothly. Although Mr.Wakefield was
confronted with no particular difficulties I oonsider he handled
the situation arising out of the death of Shaikh Hamad with
tact and ability* The influence of Ur.Belgrave who has for so
long guided the affairs of the Bahrain Government was also

undoubtedly a stabilising factor.
3. The new Ruler of Bahrain is 47 years old. He is
abstemious in his habits, though unlike his father he smokes,
and conservative in his general behaviour - though by no taeans-
so old-fashioned aB his father. He has the reputation of being-
somewhat close-fisted and is unlikely to continue Shaikh Hamad's
excessive liberality towards the Bedouin, whioh is all to the
good. He is already selling off and giving away many of the '
useless camels and ponies which his father received in exchange

for motor cars and other costly gifts. He oan read and write
Arabic, 1b a student of geography and takes a keen interest
in affairs. He has a ready flow of conversation and possesses
intelligence and ability. Though he has for many years oeen
associated with the affairs' of the State as a member of his
/ father's