Page 72 - Records of Bahrain (3) (i)_Neat

62 Records of Bahrain

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increased onormously during tlio past ton years, and I bolieve tho imports now como to 80
lnlihs. This at 4- per cent. Bhould givo 3 lakhs and 20,000 rupoos, for funning whioh tho
Contractors give tho Sheikh only 1100,000 per annum. If ho would agreo to lot us manngo his
customs, wo could afford to pay a good oflicial and staff, and givo tho Shaikh a great deal moro
than he receives at present from tho contractors. Wo would also bo able to improvo tho presont
arrangements for laudiug cargoes, whioh aro causing great delay to tho mails from India,
I told Pridcaux to sound tho Sheikh confidentially on this subject, and lie did so. His
reply was guarded, and ho said ho would think it ovor. When I go there, may I put tho matter
again bofovo him ? Ho is an old man, and is anxious that wo should noknowledgo I ho right
of his son to succeed. Tho opportunity may bo a good ono to placo our position at Bahrein
on a satisfactory footing, and if tho Government of India approve, I will do what I oun
in that direction. There aro otlior matters couuootcd with tho plnco, but thoy oau stand over
for tho present.
Dated Simla, tho 8th Novombor 1807.
From—Siu William CtwiNanAU, K.C.8.I.,
To—Lioutcnaut-Coloiiol M. J. Mbadb.
I havo received your demi-oflioial of tho 2nd Octobor, rognrding the unpopularity of
Aga Muhammad Itahim,
His interest in trado need not of itself bo a bar to his rotontiou as our Agont
at Babreiu, and bis local standing is in his favour. Tho question turns mainly on
whether ho exercises his influence with integrity, zeal, and ability. A mcro Munshi
would, as you suggest, bo of little uso as Agont, especially whon called upon to protect
British interests against outside influence. You aro quito right in wishing to satisfy
yourself by local enquiry as to the ground of the complaints against Aga Muhammad and tho
measures which may bo desirable for the furtherance of our iutorcsts in Bahrein. I shall
• Sco Dftly’i loiter No. 1170-E.A., dated tho await your furthor report with interest. Your
21at July 1897. suggestion as to tho customs seoms, on tho in­
formation before me, to bo a good ono ; and is in accord with what wo said* iu tho Moslcnt
caro. Should you see the Sbeilcb, tlicro will certainly be no harm in souuding him on tho
subject. You would of courso be caroful to say and do nothing which might arouso suspicion
or bind us in nuy way.

Exd.-E. H.

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