Page 20 - Records of Bahrain (4) (i)_Neat

10 Records of Bahrain

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proceedings today will eventually tend to the uplift and
special progress of the Sunni Community, Ever since some
twenty years ago Shaikh 'Isa in his wisdom handed over to
the Political Agent, Bahrain, the administration over and

direct responsibility for foreigners, there have been pract­
ically two Governments working side by side 1n Bahrain, One
has been open and above-board and has resulted in an enor­
mous influx of foreigners to these Islands and I believe
that I shall not be accused of exaggeration if I say that the
proportion of foreigners has during the last twenty years
progressed as 20 : 1 and their wealth as 100 : 1. I really

believe I am understating facts, On the other hand the
other Government has been, so to speak, behind a purdah and
the Sunni community and its ruler have been apt to stand
aloof and distinct from other communities and, although
there has no doubt been some progress, they have lagged be­
hind the foreigner. It is my earnest hope, which I am

confident is fully shared by Shaikh Hamad and Abdullah
and by the Political Agent, that the measures of reform we
initiate today will bring the Sunni community into line
with other communities. They will pull their weight in the
boat and have, as is their birthright, a preponderating
voice in the administration of these Islands so that, in
spite of some natural regrets, we can look forward with
some confidence to a bright and happy future for the Sunni

community.
I must now give my first warning, which is to
those who collect the main revenues of these Islands - the
Customs revenues - that after deduction of necessary work­
ing expenses, they must pay all such revenues to Shaikh
Hamad and to Shaikh Hamad alone. No drafts except those

signed by him on the Customs should be honoured. Infringe­
ments of this rule will entail dismissal and the personal
responsibility of the guilty party.
My second warning is to the Qazls. We shall
preserve the Shara Law and the Shara Courts to fullest

possible
1.