Page 91 - Records of Bahrain (7) (i)_Neat

Representational government, 1954 77
T TRANSLATION
T# Hi* Highness Shaikh Sulraun bin Hamad Al Khalifah,
Ruler of Bahrain.
Your Highness; . f\ 10/16 ( ^'
I
Greeting*:
It la now over a quarter of a century wince the basin for
the administration of this country was laid down, and If it met
the needs of the country at that preliminary etate, it certainly
no longer suitn the present needy. The state has greatly
devoloped since, and made great strides, especially in the
intellectual and social spheres, hut the administration still
continues to run as first laid down, without making any efforts
to fall in step with thio natural development, as a result of
which a groat chasm has oponod up between the people and the
government, giving rise to the spirit of grumbling and unrest,
which now prevails all over the country.

This unhappy state of affairs in the country is absolutely
not in the interest of either the'Ruler or the subjects, and
for things to return to normal it is noceusary to intruduco basic
general reform in the administrative system by allowing the
poople to take part in their owr^overmaent . The people on
several occasions, in their press, their public/aeetings, and
through their repreoentatives, liavo expressed thoir wishes for
the realization of these reforms on which their peace of mind
and progress now depend. To put an end to thece causes of
grumbling and unrest, we have been intrusted by the people to
approach Your High lie.is, in the people's name with the following
demands, in the hope that Your Hitfhncas would take steps towards
their realization and would thus add a glorious page to the
history of this country :

1. The establishment of a legislative assembly truly
representing the people through free elections.
2. Introduction of a general code of law for the State, both
civil and criminal, at the hand a ef a committee of men of
law to meet its needn and uphold its traditi 4ns, provided
always that such a code of law is first ratified by the
Legislative Assembly.
3. permission tv> eatablinh a trade union, and other unions
for the artisuns etc. , who would subject their rules and
laws to the Legislative Asoeoibly for ratification.
4. The establishment of a high court of appeal, which would
undertake to decide any disputes arrising between the
Legislative and Excutive Authorities, ar between any member
of the public and the Government,

Your Highness;
Wo would like to oiuphauea that the demands for these
reforms are in no way meant to touch the Ruler’a authority /or
the status of the ruling fuuiily, nor do they clash with the
interests of Hi* Majesty's Government and the friendly relations
existing between them. It is first a necessary step to raise
foundations of justice and fairnens in accordance with the
democratic ways under whose shelter live all the people of the
free world to whom we are proudly related.
Your Highnesuj
What wo know of your Highness's keen interest in good, reforms

Continued /