Page 408 - 1 Persian Trade rep Bahrain 1_Neat

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It is quite impossible therefore to give accurate figures for either (lie export o*'
pearls or tho import of silver.
Effects of War.—The scvcrc restrictions imposed by the Government of
India on the export of silver to Bahrain have hit the pearling fraternity verv
hard. The latter have been compelled to draw telegraphic orders (hundiea)
consequence on local merchants for funds, at a loss of from Its. GO to Its/lio
per Us. 1,000 during the season. The merchants who had large stocks of goods
from the previous year continued to import foodstulTs as much as they possibly
could, their idea being to furnish tho pearl merchants with funds, from the
sale-proceeds of these goods. They were successful in this until tho embargo
was placed In India on rice, wheat ai d flour at the end of November 1918. 5
Opening for British Trade.—The trade of Bahrain Islands is to a great
extent in tho hands of Hindu, Indian Muhammadan, and Persian merchants,
who have bad business connections with (he Islands for over a century and
half, and far the greater portion of this trade of theirs is with India. The
Mesopotamia Persia Corporation, Limited (late Gray, Paul and Company), the
agent of the British India Steam Navigation Company, Limited, is the only
British firm.
Custom-5.—The tariff is fixed by treaty at 5 per cent, ad valorem on all
imports with the exception of origiual bales of piece-goods which pay a fixed
charge of Its. 15 per bale. A 5 per cent, tax is also levied on all cargo landed
whose eventual destination is the mainland. Export duty of Rs. 10 per bundle
oi hides and Rs. 2 per bundle of dates is charged. The customs work is being
carried on for the Ruler of Bahrain by an Indian (Hindu) firm, a member of
which acts as Director.
Enquiries regarding trade.—The Political Agent, Bahrain and Mainland,
will be very glad to answer any enquiries regarding trade from merchants in
the United Kingdom, through the Commercial Intelligence Branch of the
Beard of Trade. Enquiries from Iodia should be made through tho Director-
General of Commercial Intelligence at Calcutta. Time would probably be
saved by addressing the latter olficial direct, as information on most ordinary
subjects is available in bis records.
Shipping.—Shipping has continued to be very unsatisfactory and the trade
of the port has suffered proportionately. The regular mail service lias been
abandoned. A hired transport with mails and Government stores has called
here once a month during the year. Only 35 vessels entered the port on the
up voyage as compared with the normal No. 86, while 7 vessels called on the
down voyage. Of thee only 1 vessel belonged to the Persian Gulf Steam
Navigation Company, Limited. Ereights varied from £3 to £5 per ton from or
to (Bombay or Karachi) by steamer, and by country craft £1-10-0 to £2-5-0
per ton.
(1) General remarks on trade.—The pearl trade still dominate the whole
commercial situation, and the movements of pearls and specie, though reacting
cn the movements of general merchandise, must be taken by themselves. The
table showing the total import and exports under these heads for the year
1918-19 and the previous year are of interest

1U PORTS.
Total
of General Total
Teat Specie. Pearls. specie merchandise. import*.
and
pearls.

£ £ £ £ £
I, 607/**
1917-18 258,899 162,100 410,999 1,190,050
J. 35O.O60
19L8-19 64,973 30,400 101,371 1,248,037
Percentage of Increase or -74-00 —7606 —76-33 +4-40
decrease on previous
▼ear.