Page 279 - 3 Persian Trade rep KUWAIT 1_Neat

Report on the Trade of Kuwait for tho year 1918-19 (April
1st, 1918, to 31st March 1919) by Captain D.V. McCollum,
Political Agent.
Introduction.—The town of Kuwait is the Capital o£ the Principality
hearing the same name. It i9 situated in the north-west corner of the Persian
Gulf, 50 miles from the mouth of the Shatt-al-Arab and 139 miles by sea and
100 miles by land from Basrah. The population, which is estimated to he over
00,000, is greater than that of any other port on Iho Persian Gulf. Tho total
population of tho Principality is estimated at 85,000.
Kuwait is an entrepot of goods for the principal towns of Central Arabia*
it supplies many of the bordering tribes and to a lesser extent the minor ports
of Arabistan on the Persian Coast. Its trade is not influenced by local condi­
tions only but also by climatic and economic conditions of those parts and by
the safety of the caravan routes to the interior.
The disadvantages of shortage of tonnage, high rates of freight, etc.,
referred to in the report for 1917-18 continued throughout the year under
review. A forecast was made in that report that, for reasons given therein, the
trade of the port would receive a set-hack this year. The statistics, which have
been furnished by the Shaikh’s Customs, show that such has really been the
case. The imports have suffered to the extent of 21*75 per cent, and the
exports 1*52 per cent, or a total of 23*35 per cent, as compared with 1917-18.
At first sight this decrease does not appear to be very great, hut when the
famine prices of almost all the articles are taken into account, and an analysis
of the figures is made, and the quantities of the principal articles, especially
foodstuffs, imported in the current year are compared with those of the past
>ear it will be apparent that the decrease has been much more than appears
from the returns. Two items which have swelled the import figures are dates
and coir. The former were probably imported either for re-export or to meet the
shortage of rice, and the latter on speculation by homeward bound Kuwait
native craft—no cereals or other goods being available for freight on account
of blockade restrictions. It is quite possible also that this item had been under­
estimated in former years.
Clunale.—Kuwait is generally recognised as having the best climate in
the Persian Gulf.
Public Health.—Notwithstanding the lack of sanitation the health of the
port is very good. Disease does not seem to thrive in the place and epidemics
are almost unknown.
Agriculture.—There is very b'ttle cultivation. Dates are imported from
Basrah. Small quantities of vegetables are grown locally but the town is
chiefly dependent on the Shatt-al-Arab gardens for its green stuffs.
Government.—The Government of Kuwait is absolute and somewhat
primitive. There are no law courts in the European sense, cases are usually
decided by the Ruler or his deputies in accordance with Muhammadan Law or
local uauage. Commercial Law does not exist and claims against Kuwait sub­
jects are difficult to settle.
Language.—Arabic, being the language of the country is spoken by all.
There are a number of Persians and Jews who speak their respective languages
as well. Many persons speak Hindustani and a few, English. Business com­
munications can be sent in English.
Institutions.—There is a British Post and Telegraph Office. There is no
bank but agents are kept at the principal trading centres and orders are
arranged through them. They are as follows :—
Basrah . Khalil.
Bahrain . Yusuf Kanu.
Karachi • Marzuq.
iKj
Bombay • Muhammad Salim Siderawi.
Calcutta • Khoonji.