Page 40 - The Persian Gulf Historical Summaries (1907-1953) Vol IV_Neat

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They arc at present leased to and farmed by
British-Indian Banins.
So far back as 1698, tho Political Resident in 1898.
tho Persian Gulf broached the subject with the Government of
Chief, who guvo Colonel Mendo to understand that ^pril 2! * ^
he would not renew tho farmer’s lcaso without first Indio office,
communicating with him. Despito this under- June 8, l'JU4.
standing, tho leaso was subsequently extended
for a period of two years. Shortly afterwards
the Sheikh again promised not to enter into any
fresh contract without first informing the Resi­
dent. But in January 1900 Colonel Meade 1900.
reported that tho Sheikh hud again departed
from his engagements, and had prolonged tho
leaso for a further term of two years, without
previous intimation. A. remonstrance was made,
and the Chief expressed regret; but, neverthe­
less, when in 1901, at tho instance of Sir N. 1901.
O’Conor, it was ngaiu suggested that lie should
employ a British subject to supervise the
■ Customs, he once more declined to accede to
the wishes of His Majesty's Government.
O11 the occasion of his tour in the Persian 1993.
Gulf in 1903, the Viceroy spoke seriously about
the matter to the Chief, aud pointed out to him
the necessity of a change in the existing
arrangements. The Sheikh asked for time for
reflection; Tjufc this only resulted in his reas­
serting his unwillingness to redress the abuses
which had called forth complaints.
The conclusions formulated on the subject by 1901.
the Government of India are indicated in their
despatch of the 21st April, 1901>:—
“The need for reform is clearly indicated by the
figures given in Colonel Kcmball’s letter. Tho Chief's
present income from bis Customs is 1,10,200 rupees,
while the revenue which may be expected under an
efficient system is estimated at 3,50,000 rupees. Tho
practicability of the cliunge is proved by the example
of Muscat, where, in partial compliance with our wishes,
the Sultan has tukeu the Customs administration under
direct management, and has already reaped considerable
benefit from the arrangement. The matter is obviously
one to which we cannot remain indifferent. Committed,
as wo arc, to tho support of Sheikh limned, it is
incumbent on us to take measures to insure tlmt, on his
accession, he may find his house in order, and may not
bo burdened with a heavy legacy of debt accumulated
by the improvidence of his predecessor. For this reason
avc consider that tho question is not 0110 which can bo
allowed to drop, even if it woro possible to overlook tho
Sheikh’s repeated breaches of faith aud his persistently
contumacious attitude with regard to it. In fact, the

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