Page 223 - Records of Bahrain (5) (i)_Neat

Demands for reform, 1935, 1938-1939 211
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agitation and such like, I do not say tnat ouon demonstratlone
would altogether oeaoo if a CJounoU were ostablisned, but they

would be lose likely, and if they did ooour the Bahrain Govern­
ment, having given a constitutional safety valve, would be in a
stronger position to deal with them than they are at present.

Moreover in modern conditions in Bahrain it seems to me that
diotinotly tho best way for the Bhaikh and his family to keep
in touch \»ith the people of their State would be through a
Oounoil which, even though nominated and not elected, would -

if wisely chosen - reflect looal public opinion.
(d) (l) In these days people are not content with a govern­
ment, however good and efficient it may bo, unless they have
/
some hand in it themselves. To use tho well-worn aliohet *0ood
government is no substitute for Bolf-governraent.* The old
Government of India was undoubtedly good and efficient, in faot
a benevolent autooraoy, but that did not prevent our Having to

ohange it to self-government.
(2) There is moreover this aspect to be oonsidered.
Until a few years ago the Bahrain Government was very badly
off, and where there is little to expend there oannot be muoh
oritioism over expenditure. Now, however, in addition to its

revenue from other souroes, it is in receipt of a large inoome
from oil royalties. When it beoame apparent some years ago
that a considerable revenue would result from oil, Looh - who

was then Political Agent, Bahrain - proposed that we should
approach the shaikh and suggest that & oertain proportion of the
royalties should be given over by him to the State, The Shaikh
readily agreed and out of the total revenue from this aouroe of
about & 260,000 gives £ 170,000
per annum to tne State, keeping
/ the