Page 577 - PERSIAN 8 1931_1940_Neat

27
Tn March a strong agitation against the Shaikh broke out, which, however
lie succeeded in suppressing without there being actual riots. His Majesty’s
Government thereupon advised the Shaikh that he would bo wise to associate
his people more with himself in the Government of his State, according to
Arab traditions by the formation of a nominated advisory Council such as had
existed in the days of Shaikh Mubarak. The Shaikh disregarded this
advice and in August there was again an outburst of agitation to which
tho Shaikh completely surrendered and an elected executive Council was form­
ed by the people of Kuwait which drew up a Constitution for tho State depriv­
ing tho Shaikh of most of his powers. His Majesty’s Government informed
tho Shaikh and tho Council that the relations of His Majesty’s Government
with tho State would bo conducted with the Shaikh, and that by tho virtue of
the latter’s treaties with His Majesty’s Government the conduct of the foreign
affairs of the State would continue to romain in tho hands of His Majesty’s
Government. The Council accepted this decision.
At the end of the year there was again some trouble over the newly formed
Council. On the 17th December the Ruler decided, in view of growing popu­
lar opposition to the arbitrary use of its power, to dissolve the Council.
There was a tense day and a critical situation resulted since the Council had
apparently determined to remain in power at all costs. His Highness was
equally adamant for dissolution, but eventually agreed to liavo a new election.
The Council gave way and fresh elections took place. 20 members instead of
14, have now been elected, with Shaikh Abdulla as Salim as Subah, C.I.E.,
as President once again. The Council had not met before tho close of the
year.
(d) Education.—During November the local authorities decided upon
free education in the four existing Government Boys’ schools and in the one
Government Girls’ school. Tho number of trained teachers, from Palestine,
was doubled and two Palestinian school-mistresses were brought in for the
Girls’ school.
(e) Hospital.—The Government have, during tho period under review,
consulted an architect with regard to tho building of the Kuwait State Prco
Hospital. A site has been selected and the cost is estimated to be about
£6,000. The work has, however, not been started.
(/) Imperial Airxcays.—Owing to the inauguration of the “ All-Up ”
air mail service by flying boats, operation of the aeroplanes of Imperial Air.
ways through Kuwait has been discontinued, but it is expected to recommence
in 1939.
(ff) Commercial.—(i) Boats.—A note on the number, tonnage etc. of
boats built during the year will be found in the Trade Report for 1937. The
famous boat building industry continues to improve and the yards were kept
busy throughout the year.
(u) Pearls.—The price of pearls is as low as hitherto, with no sign of rise.
(tit) Lamb skins.—Buying agents of various firms arrived during the year
to purchase black lamb skins, which have fallen in price this year ; the finest
quality, equivalent to tho Bokhari, being at one time only Rs. 4.
(h) Tribal trade with Kuwait.—During the year under report, all the Be­
douins of Nejd in the vicinity of the frontier have received permission from
Ibn Saud to restock at Kuwait.
(i) Quarantine.—The Agency Medical Officer continued to be the Kuwait
Qurantine Officer. The quarantine buildings were kept in good condition
during the year.
(j) Loud-speaker radios are now permitted in coffee shops where the
Rulor had hitherto forbidden them.
V. CONDITION OP THE COUNTRY.
Law and order have remained unchanged. Security in the hinterland
continued to be good during the year.

of ”"“b“
23 (S) EAD