Page 264 - Records of Bahrain (4) (i)_Neat

252 Records of Bahrain
CONFIDENTIAL..

No. 5-33 -8 of 1984.
British ttaeldency and Coneulate-Oeneral,

Buehlro, 10th April 1924.

To
The Politloal Agent,
Bahrain.

Pearl 1 up: Cuu toms .
MEMORANDUM.
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Your memorandum 89-C dat ed 31el March 1984.
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I think that interest at a good high rata la
legitimately ohargoable by merohanta to Nakhudao, ao the
Poarling Industry is a hazardouB and rieky buainqBB • if
the oeanon 1b a bad one or if thuro Ib a Blump in the piarl

markets the lenders may have to wait for years for their
money, or at all evente to get oompleto ropaymento. lhen
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again Nakhudao when making advances to divors may reasonably
expeot interest at a good high rate; ao you say, the divers
have not earnod the money; death, sickness or wilful
absence may prevent their ever earning it. 'Ihe 'tieqam*

is purely and eimply something for the diyere to live on in
the off ecaeon. Theoretically they should be able to
in
live during the off season by their earnings &xx*Jtg the
diving seaoo^but of oourse they never oan/ftrtti the loot
thing the N&khudae want is for them to do eo. With a

view to aooertaining the praotioe in other plaoes X tele-
•graphod to the Politioal Agent, Kuwait, to aaoortain and
let me know the usual rate of interost on suoh advances ir\
that place, but Major More ouyo it will take some time eo
1 cannot wait for the information; I am asking him to send
you a copy of his letter,direct.
I agreo with you in thinking that the interest on
'Salaf'
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