Page 77 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

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RESIDENCY FOR TIIE YEAR 1005-W0*. 07

that during the year undor report tho traffic to Oman and the Truoial Coast
has been to a great extent discontinued.
This is probably duo in some measure to the fact that certain of the Min
who arc the chief supporters of tho traffic have been too busy with their ofm
dissensions, and porbaps deterred by the warnings of Telegraph officials.
The Persian Government havo not sufficient control in this distant
quarter of the Shah’s dominions to put down the traffic, even if the incline
tion to do so were present. As a matter of fact it is to the direot interest of
local Governors and officials that tho trade should continue to flourish, and
judging from tho large numbers of Mckranis to be found on the Trucial Coast,
actually or practically in a state of slavery, it is to be feared that any suspen­
sion of the traffic which there may havo been lately is unlikely to be enduring.
The cause of the connection of the Mirs and headmen with the export is not
far to seek. It is often impossible that they can pay the over-assessed revenue
demands of tho Persian Government and its insatiable local Governors, from
the legitimate income of their districts ; and tho cash proceeds of the sale of
slaves either captured in raids or received from their relations in lieu of
revenue, are obviously a simple and convenient means of making up shortage.
As long as the administrative machinery of the Persian Government
remains v> hat it is, so long will slavery inevitably thrive.
P. Z. COX, "Major,
Political Resident in the Persian Gulf.
British Restdfnct, Bushier ;
Ike 23rd September 1906. }