Page 95 - The Postal Agencies in Eastern Arabia

(used for oiling ships’ hulls) in the Spring, before the onset of the
Monsoon and in time for the pearling season.

In common with other States in the Gulf, Kuwait later suffered
from the introduction of cultured pearls; and it was fortunate that a
new wealth was found following the granting of the first Oil Con­
cession by Shaikh Ahmad al Jabir in December 1934.
The discovery of oil and its first shipment in 1946 brought
immense changes; and Kuwait was fortunate in Shaikh Ahmad and his
two successors who have guided the State so wisely through a difficult
period. Government was feudal until the middle 1950s but - although
the electorate comprises only male Kuwaitis (and all Kuwaitis number
less than half the total population) — a National Assembly had been
formed by 1963.
Kuwait used the Indian Rupee (of 16 Annas; and, from June
1957, of 100 Naye Paise) until 1961 when the Kuwait Dinar (of 1000
fils) was adopted.

THE POLITICAL AGENCY POSTAL SERVICE

The question of establishing a Post Office in Kuwait was first
considered by the Government of India in 1902 and it was decided to
wait until a regular shipping service should be opened between India
and Kuwait. In fact, for other reasons, it was to be thirteen years
before the first Post Office opened.
Prior to the appointment of a Political Agent at Kuwait, the
opening of a Post Office was again recommended and the Government
of India proposed to the Secretary of State for India that an Assistant
Surgeon of the Indian Medical Service should have charge of a Post
Office in addition to his medical responsibilities!
On February 19th, 1904, H.M. Government approved the
proposal and considered that the Shaikh should undertake not to allow
the establishment of Post Offices of other countries. Such an agreement
was made only nine days later when Shaikh Mubarak al Sabah signed a
document which reads:
“As the British Government has agreed, in accordance with my
desire and for the benefit of traders, to establish a Post Office at Koweit,

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