Page 275 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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sailed straight for their destination ns Eoon as they had cleared their cargoes, and precise figures
are oot, therefore, available, but it is stated that a sum of about Its. 25,000 was wrongfully
oxtorted from Hritish traders in respeot of dates shipped during the season of 1903. Daring the
Viceroy's recent tour in tho Porsian Gulf the British Indian merchants of Bahrein renewed, in
a petition to His Excellency, their request for the appointment of a British representative to
protoct their interests at Katif.
3. We think that a good case has been made out for 6uch a step, the simplest form of
which would probably bo to appoint our Assistant Political Agent at Bahrein Vice-Consul for
El Iiassa, and to station a native Consular Agent at Katif. Should His Majesty's Govern­
ment be unwilling to take action on this sense, we can only suggest that a clear statement
•hould be made to the Porte of the disabilities to which our traders have been subjected in
order that measures may be taken for their mitigation or romoval. But our experience of
Turkish official action in those parts does not lead us to place any confidence in the results of
6uch a representation,"
[C9G7FD]

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