Page 242 - PERSIAN 9 1931_1940

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occurred in Iraqi waters. As an important factor in this problem it must be
remembered that while Kuwaits are amongst those who actually smuggle goods
by sea into Iraqi territory from Kuwait, on land, where the contraband trade is by
far the greater, it is the Iraqi tribesmen themselves who are the carriers-—
Kuwait being merely the market where they purchase their goods.
Jim Sand’s blockade of exports from Kuwait into Saudi Arabia was en­
forced with the same vigour as previously and continued to cause considerable
loss to the inhabitants of that small Principality, who are almost entirely de­
pendent on the transit trade for their existence.
Bahrain.—The pearl industry of Bahrain has been a failure due partly to
an indifferent catch and partly owing to a very dull market.
Muscat.—No events of outstanding importance took place in the State
during the year under review. The outstanding Muscat problem being that of
finance, it is satisfactory to be able to report that the financial condition of the
State has considerably improved. A few years ago the State was almost on
the verge of bankruptcy but by rigid economies the State is now making for
prosperity. At the end of the year under review there was a satisfactory
credit balance, and it is hoped that some of the social services which had to be
cut down to make ends meet will now be resumed.
Trucial Coast.—In October an attempt w'as made on the life of Shaikh Said
bin Maktum, Ruler of Dibai, by certain of his cousins, who conspired to dep ose
him. Since there w’as a possibility of local disturbances by wiiich British lives
and property might be endangered H. M. S. “ Lupin” proceeded to that port.
Shaikh Said was informed by the Resident that he was at liberty to deal with
his cousins as he thought fit, but reminded that proper precautions should be
taken to safeguard British lives and property. A Notice by the Resident w'as
also published in the Town that if such lives and property were endangered,
those responsible for the disturbances would bo held to account. A flight of
fhe Royal Air Force demonstrated over the Town. The Political Agent,
Bahrain subsequently proceeded to Dibai, where, after some negotiations, the
unruly cousins submitted to the Ruler. A satisfactory feature w’as that the
settlement wras arrived at by the Ruler himself with moral support from us,
which in consistence w'ith our long established poliov on the Trucial Coast did
not involve interference in the internal affairs of Dibai.
Imperial Ainvays’ aeroplanes continued to use Sharjah Air Port without
incident.
Despite a fairly good catch the pearl trade suffered from the general
depression in the pearl market.
Towards the close of the year negotiations were commenced at Jedda
hetweerf His Majesty’s Minister and the Saudi Arab Government which included
the question of the delimitation of the frontier between Saudi Arabia and the
Trucial States and Muscat.
Persian Side.
The security of the Persian coastal region as far as Bandar Abbas w'as
good. Persian Mekran and Bashakard were however the scene of some dis­
turbances throughout the year and the Persian Government were unsuccessful
in imposing complete law and order in their districts. A certain number of
the inhabitants of these areas w'ith their families continued to migrate to the
Trucial Const and Gw'adur.
Basidit and Hcnjam.—Various small incidents occurred during the year
between the British Sloops and the local Persian authorities ow'ing to the
latter’s policy of pinpricks and obstruct!veness.
Persian Navy.—The Persian Navy occupied itself w’ith its chief duty of pre­
venting smuggling by sea and made a number of captures of sailing craft
alleged to be engaged in that occupation. In a few cases, however, the zeal of
the Commanders appeared to have overcome their discretion and Arab vessels
encountered on the High Seas were interfered with, some being taken to
Persian ports for investigation. At the conclusion of the year these cases wrere
still under discussion with the Persian Government.
Relations with Local Persian Officials.—Relations with the Governor o
the Southern Ports—Muhammad Ali Mirza Rokni, as with his predecessors,
continued to be most cordial.
T. C. FOWLTD, Li cut.-Colonel,
Political Resident in the Persian Gulf.