Page 548 - PERSIAN 9 1931_1940

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Shaikh now refused to accopt. To anticipate events, oarly in 1939, after a
further outbreak instigatod by Iraqi propaganda, the Shaikh annulled tho
Constitution and instituted a nominated Advisory Council on tho lines His
Majesty’s Government had advised him to set up nearly a year before. This
development can bo considered the satisfactory outcomo of a troubled year
for Kuwait.
Tho market price of pearls continued to bo low.
Bahrain.—In regard to tho Zubara disputo between tho Shaikhs of
Bahrain and Qatar, account of which was given in last year’s Review, tho
prohibitory measures by tho Bahrain Government against Qatar continued
in forco at tho end of 1938.
In September an outbreak of agitation occurred in Bahrain amongst tho
younger educated class, who havo formed a Youth Movomcnt, and amongst
tho Bahraini employees of tho Bahrain Potrolcum Company. Tho demand
of the former was for a moro democratic form of government, including tho
formation of an elected Council and tho reform of the Law Courts. Tho
domand of tho latter was for better labour conditions. There wore some
rowdy demonstrations which the Bahrain police had to suppress, without
however.any casualties on oitlier side. Tho Shaikh refused to set up a Council
but the reform of tho Law Courts is under way, and at the request of the
Shaikh His Majesty’ Government arc arranging for two legal experts from
Egypt or tho Sudan to visit Bahrain and adviso on what shape tho reforms
should take. The pay of Bahraini labour in tho Bahrain Oil Company has
been raised, and a representative of tho Bahrain Government has been
appointed to act as Liaison Officer between tho Company and their Bahraini
employees.
In January tho Shaikh left for Jcdda via Bombay to make tho Haj, and
roturnod in March. In the hot weather ho fell seriously ill and visited Kashmir
for a change. In his absonces the State was administered by a Council of
Regency comprised of the Shaikh’s brother, Abdulla, his son, Salman, and the
Adviser, Mr. Belgravo.
The pearl season showed a decline in prices and in catch.
Trucial Coast.—Tho subject of Trucial Coast—Saudi Frontiers was
under consideration during the year but no scttlomcnt was reached.
In October a popular agitation started in Dibai for a more democratic
form of government in the shape of an elected Executive Counoil. Tho
Shaikh of Dibai was given the same advice as was given to the Shaikh of
Kuwait, i.e., that it would be wise for him to associate his peoplo with himself
in his administration by instituting a nominated Advisory Council. This
advice, as in the case of the Shaikh of Kuwait, was not taken. The opposi­
tion party by a show of force then made themselves masters of the situation.
There was some confusion in tho Town and the Senior Naval Officer, Persian
Gulf Division, was asked to send a sloop to Dibai to protect British lives and
property. The sloop stayed at Dibai some days and had a steadying effect
on the situation. Finally an olected Executive Council came into being which
took much of his power away from the Shaikh. Tho same warning as to the
control of His Majesty’s Government over foreign affairs was given to the
Council as was given to that at Kuwait, and was accepted without demur.
To anticipate tho events of early 1939, tho Shaikh, with the assistance of his
Bedouin followers, succeeded after some fighting of a not very serious nature
in dissolving the Council, and a nominated Advisory Council is now in
existence.
Early in the year under review information was received that an Iranian
and a Kuwaiti trading in Dibai were indulging in the smuggling of arms. Tho
consignments were small but it was considered advisable to request tho Shaikh
of Dibai to deport them, which he did:
The-pearl industry showed a decrease in prices and catch.
Muscat.—His Highness the Sultan visited London in March as the guest
of His* Majesty’s Government, and was invested with tho K.C.I.E. by His
Majesty. His Highness’s visit was most successful. He was much gratified
by his reception and made a very favourable impression on all whom he mot,