Page 180 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

70 ADMN. RETORT OF THE PERSIAN OULF POLITICAL RESIDENCY FOR 1000-1007.

Right hundred men from Koweit proceeded to the Ceylon pearl fisheries
during the months of January and February. This year, for the first time, an
attempt was made to regulate the numbers of the divers leaving the port.
The arrangement was viewed at first with some suspicion by the Arabs, but tho
scheme was soon in working order, and the divers who have returned from Ceylon
state that they have had a mo3t successful season and that the Koweit divers
were very well treated by the Ceylon Company of Pearl Fishers. It appears
certain that the pearlers’ tickets will be eagerly sought after next year.

SHAIKH MOBARAK.
The Shaikh’s relations with the Turkish officials have been friendly and he has
given them valuable assistance in sending on the ragged remnants of the Ncjd
expeditionary force to their destination. On the occasion of Farik Sadik Pasha’s
visit, the Shaikh received him with his traditional hospitality. Frequent visits
have been paid by the Shaikh to Shaikh Khazal, the ruler of Muhammerah.
Shaikh Khalid ul ’Aon, the chief Arab resident of Zubair, paid Shaikh
Mobarak a visit in the month of June.
While the Shaikh’s external relations have thus been satisfactory, his relations
withhi3 own people, in spite of increasing revenues and influence, have not improved.
Both at the beginning and at the close of this year, forced levies of the inhabi­
tants were raised for service against the Bedouins and for the collection of “ Zikat ”
from the desert tribes. These impressments were very unpopular, and on the last
occasion, a good deal of property was commandercd as well. Many complaints
were made also about enhanced Customs dues, especially on the subject of bazar
sales and import and export duties by land. The Koweit “Haj,” numbering
2,000 souls was, on its return, subjected to numerous exactions, both new and
burdensome. But the measure which called forth the most unfavourable com­
ments, was the levy of an extortionate building tax in the shape of ground-rent.
For some years the Shaikh has been in the habit of granting land to applicants
free of charge; the town has grown to four or five times its original size.
In January last, the occupants of the buildings erected thereon were informed that
they must pay 75 per cent, of the cost of their holdings, as estimated by the Shaikh’s
appraisers, when the property would remain their own, or that the Shaikh would
pay them 25 per cent, and take possession of the buildngs.
The Shaikh has purchased a new steam yacht this year at a cost of over a lakh
of rupees and he frequently complains of his increased expenditure and his
difficulty in balancing his budget.
FOREIGNERS.
No foreigner visited Koweit during the year.
RELATIONS BETWEEN THE SHAIKH AND THE POLITICAL AGENT.
These have been cordial throughout the year, except at the commencement,
when the Agent had cause to complain that his friendly visits were never returned
by cither the Shaikh or his eldest son, Shaikh Jabir. The difficulty was arranged
satisfactorily.
POLITICAL CHANGES.
Major S. G. Knox held charge of the Agency during the year.
S. G. KNOX, Major,
Political Agent, Koweit.

Q. I. C. P. O.—No. 3147 P. D.—3-3-1008.—66.—H. R. X 2