Page 170 - Records of Bahrain (4) (ii)_Neat

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472 Records of Bahrain

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oither to him or to mo. It would bo of much
help in modifying Shaikh nomad’a uncontrollable
generosity, from Public funds, to thooo of hlo

relations who are persistent enough in worrying
him.
Shaikh Hamad has no real idea of money
values and it is difficult to por3uade him to
give suitable attention to the financial affairs
of the Stnto. 1 have only latoly, with much
difficulty, mndo him learn how many lac3 of

rupees are collected and spent each year. The
Budget is submitted to Shaikh Hamad and sanctioned
by him and he keeps one copy himself, but he
recklessly dis-regards it, conoldoring that as
long as there is cash in tho Bank it can bo
spent on any purpose quite rogardlesa of the
projects which have been budgeted for.

As regards his own finances I am certain
that whatever amount Shaikh Hamad draws he will
always think it insufficient. >'or three years
I have managed Shaikh Hamad's own private
money affairs, at hia request, When I advise
economy he reminds mo that Shaikh Isa uoed to
spend most of tho revenue on himself. Shaikh

Hamad fortunately, owes no money to anyone
but he is spending every rupee of his income
at present. Latoly ho has suggested that all
proceeds from saleo of property by the State
should be paid to hio privy purse, not to the
Treasury. Personally I think this would bo
unwise and an oncouragemont to sell land at
any price.