Page 325 - Records of Bahrain (3) (i)_Neat

British influence and foreign interests, 1904-1906 315

adminis trot ion sinoo its reform was sdoooated by Sir IS.

O'Conor in 1G01. Tho question forma one of the principal
arguments urged by them in reoomr<endtng tho appointment
)t. of India's letter of Captain Prideaux, who, it was
/£i Apl.04h&W&fQ4') (&>/W) hoped, would bo able to bring
influence to boar upon the Sheihh to aocept th% proposed
reform.
It may be explained that, under a system vjhioh

is still in foroo, tho Sheihh farms out tho customs to
osrtain Indian traders for stated periods. By this means
ho obtains a oustor.is revenue of about Bs. 2,BO, 000, whereas
it is oaloulatod that, if properly administered, the
oustoms would bring him in between 0 and 4 lahhs of rupees
annually. Bepoited representations from British officers
(including Lord Cicrr.on when in the Oulf in 1003) have f tiled
to induce tho Sheihh to accept our proposals. Ho has,
hoioovor, oji several oooasions (o.g. in 1898 and 1903)

promised that njhon tho farmers1 looses fell in they would
not be renewed, and in 1901 'no declared his intention of
himsolf assuming the direot management of his Customs
on the expiry of tho lease then ourrent, a praotioo which
was introducedn in 1899 at Ifusoat. On each occasion ho
failed to '\oep his word.
His present attitude on tho question seems to
be as unoempromising as ever, At an Interview with Major
n. to Oovt. of India Oox and Captain Prideaux, at whioh
%31 Hay. 'OG.
10C4 0G. the oubjeot was broaohod, ho said

"I have always given you an answer on that subjeot, and
"have no other answer to give".

As