Page 21 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920

FOR 'TUB YEA.R M*. 11
^j0y have little practical power to do so outside their own towns, and the con­
sequence is that Katr,-fed by this route, has become the main emporium for the
distribution of arms in the Gulf, and it may be said that the Katr promontory
now represents our chief Arms Traffio difficulty, apart from the general ne­
gations with France.
g°
The Abu Musa oxide case in dispute with the German Government has
made no progress during the year, our counter caso having remained under
the consideration of the German Government; but it is understood that they
are inclined to accept a friendly compromise and there is consequently some
hope that the coming year will see the final settlement of this long drawn out
dispute.
It is an instructive result of experience and one of which it is important
Bahraini for highor authority to take cognizance,
that the fact of being suitably hQused con­
duces greatly to the health and peace of mind of political officers serving under
the naturally trying conditions of the Gulf, and to the consequent popularity of
one appointment as compared with another.
Thus, under former conditions at Bandar Abbas, when our representative
inhabited an inconvenient Persian built house at Naband, it was never possible
to keep an officer there more than two years, and he generally suffered in health
and had to leave before that. But since the construction of a thoroughly sound
and comfortable residence by the Government of India, the terrors of Bandar
Abbas have disappeared and the present incumbent has been able to live in
health and reasonable contentment with his family, and willingly faces the
prospect of a 3-ycars sojourn. On the other hand Bahrain, owing mainly to
its unsatisfactory house accommodation, has succeeded to the position of the un­
popularity formerly held by Bandar Abbas.
No officer seems to be able to exist there without suffering in bodily and
mental health, and it is certainly nowadays the least agreeable appointment
under the Residency.
It is greatly to be hoped, therefore, that the Government of India wall accept
the suggestions put forward daring the current year for the construction of new
and sound agency premises in place of the waterlogged buildings now in use.
The year has been essentially one of “ mark time ” at Bahrain so far as
visible progress is concerned. Nevertheless the two most important current
questions affecting Bahrain, namely the improvement of the cargo landing
arrangements and the introduction of an Order in Council have advanced con­
siderably on the record and are on the point of materialising.
Questions directly or indirectly bearing on our relations with Turkey, or
on issues in negotiation with Turkey, have necessarily been in abeyance owing
to the existence of a state of war between Turkey and Italy and Turkey and the
Balkans ; but there is every hope that the coming year will see the inauguration
of the Wireless System and the Order in Council, as well as the acceptance bj
the Shaikh, on the authoritative advice of the Government of India, of a more
cfiicieat arrangement for the handling, storage and delivery of cargo.
The contemporary history of Kuwait maintains the satisfactory character
of which appreciation was expressed bat.
KawaiL year. The effect that he has purchased
more property on the Shatt-el-Arab, and many other indications, show that
Shaikh Mubarak's affairs have continued to prosper steadily in the atmosphere
°f our friendship and support, and he certainly repays cultivation by the sage
and enlightened attitude with which he approaches matters of politics and busi-
ness, and the readiness with which he modifies it to meet the requirements of
advancing civilization.
For example, while the Shaikhs of the Trucial Coast and Bahrain were full
apprehensions when the contemplated creation of wireless stations was
poached to them, Shaikh Mubarak fell in with the idea without the slightest
Station.
Again, he spontaneously invited Government to undertake a water-supply
ttheme for him and has received without demur an American Missionary and