'File 19/218 (C 84) Bahrain Succession' [‎43r] (87/210)

his case the visit v/as a most valuable experience, he was
very observant, and showed a keen interest in all he saw
including hospitals, schools, law courts and all the visible
sijns of western civilization. Shaikh Abdulla has now obtained
rather reluctant permission from his father to go to England
for six months or a year to learn English.
Shaikh Abdulla is in many ways typical of the present
dsy young Arab of Bahrain. His point of view differs enormous
ly fBom the point of view of the last generation. He is too
young to remember Shaikh Tsa's regime and therefore has no
regrets for the past. Having grown up since the introduction
of existing government institutions he regards such things as
courts, r unicipalities, police, rules and regulations, all of
which are comparatively recent, as though they had always exist
ed. His older relations still consider many of these reforms
as new and unv/elcome changes. He is interested in outside
affairs and reads books and newspapers. He is broad minded
and tolerant and has not the violent dislike of the Shia Ba
hama which characterises so many of his relations. He is
liked by the public who consider that his judgments in the
court are fair. He often takes part In discussions with Kadis
or deputations about court matters and on these occasions he
argues s ensibly.
Physically he is fairly strong but very short sighted,
he was attended by Duke Elder in London. Since he married he
has lived a quiet respectable life. He is very anxious that
his children should be properly educated. He is not extravagant
but rather fond of money. He takes an interest in his garden
and town property and has lately built a number of shops.
It is difficult to e stimate the value of his popularity,
his father is fond of him and depends more upon him than he used
to. He is on good terms with his young cousins but the older
Shaikhs/-