Page 23 - Records of Bahrain (7) (i)_Neat

Bahrain Annual Report, 1952-1953 9

rT
5.

agitation and civil disturbances unknown for thirty
years, it is possible, by being wise after the event,

to see in the report matters which although
presumably of no special significance when the report
was written, or not recognized then as having any
such significance, are now the subject of general
discussion among the public of Bahrain, and have
provided grounds for severe criticism of the present,
administration of the Shaikdom. As Your Excellency

is aware, the aim of the recent general strike in
Bahrain, which took place from December 4 to
December 10, following upon agitation which started
during the summer, was to compel the Bahrain

Government to investigate public complaints and
dissatisfaction at the state of education, public
health, the judicial organisation, and public
security in the Shaikhdom. As a result of the
strike, the Ruler has agreed, even though
unwillingly, that these matters shall be examined

by a special committee, Most public criticism is
directed at the judicial organisation because the
local judges belong solely to the ruling family,
because they are considered insufficiently educated

and experienced in the law and its practice and
because there is no proper code of law. These
points are raised in the report, As regards
education the present criticism, as I have heard it,

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