Page 545 - PERSIAN 8 1931_1940_Neat

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REVIEW.

ARAB SIDE.
General.—In tho Roview of the Administration Report for 1037 a summary
was given of the changes which had recently come about on the Arab side of
tho Persian Gulf, and this summary may well be repeated :—
“ During tho comparatively short period of 10 years, from the com­
munications point of view the Gulf has changed from a cul-de-
sac to an highway between East and West; from the resources
point of view the discovery of oil in an area under our control
is of considerable strategical importance ; while from the inter­
national point of view the relations of the Arab Shaikhdoms
with their neighbours have increased considerably in importance
and complexity.”
During the year under review the Arab side has continued to increase in
importance. Imperial Airways have multiplied their services to five a week ;
oil has been found at Kuwait with the prospect of a large oil field there which
may in time rival Bahrain ; in Saudi Arabian territory in Hasa, opposite
Bahrain, the California Arabian Standard Oil Company have struck oil
and aro shipping some of it to Bahrain for refining ; and in connection with
this oil field the Saudi Arabian Government are developing the port of Ras
Tanura. From the international point of view the relations of the Arab
Shaikhdoms with their neighbours show no signs of decreasing in importance.
Plans for the defence of the Arab States and of British interests there in the
event of an emergency have been under consideration. The international
crisis in September made a profound impression on the Rulors of the Arab
States, and both they and their peoples aro only too anxious to co-operate
with His Majesty’s Government in defence measures.
A new and significant development in the Arab States is the growth of a
demand from the Rulors by their peoples for more democratic forms of govern­
ment. At Kuwait and Dibai tho final results of this have been the formation
of nominated Advisory Councils. At Bahrain there has been some agitation,
but of a less serious and widespread character (sec under Kuwait, Bahrain and
Trucial Coast below).
To meet anti-British propaganda from various sources the British Broad­
casting Corporation commenced daily Arabic broadcasts giving an accurate
and objective account of the news of the day as well as cultural items and
entertainment, music, etc. Committees were formed by the Political Agents
in the Arab States of the Gulf to make suggestions in regard to popularising
these broadcasts. Many of these suggestions were adopted by the British
Broadcasting Corporation and the service is much appreciated. As there are
no newspapers published in tho Arab States the supply of accurate news by
the broadcasts has been extremely useful, and they fulfil efficiently their
purpose of counteracting foreign propaganda. During the crisis of September
last the broadcasts had a steadying effect on local public opinion in the States.
The number of receiving sots in the States has rapidly increased during the
last year and besides private sets they are also installed in tho coffee houses.
Royal Navy.—Tho sloops of the Porsian Gulf Division continued their
useful duties in the Persian Gulf, and frequently transported the Political
Resident and Political Officers under him on their tours.
Aviation.—The Royal Air Force continued to maintain the air route on
the Arab Coast. They mado numerous routine Flights, and, on request,
carried Political Officers on their duties.
The Shaikh of Bahrain gave his consent to the location of a Royal Air
Force Flight at Bahrain.
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