'Administration Report of the Persian Gulf for the Year 1937' [‎9v] (18/72)

8
foreign interests in the Gulf were sufficient to encourage another line to offer
equal facilities of frequent and regular sailings, the often very high, monopo
listic freight charged by the British India would turn away a number of
shippers.
German interests. —The Hansa Line, with its fortnightly sailings from
Europe direct to the Gulf, continues to bring more cargo for import than any
other line. During the period March-December, 1937, thirty-one German
steamers called at Bushire, landing 152,554 packages, and loading 30,949.
Throughout the latter half of the year trade has been sufficient to justify twice-
monthly steamers from Europe and a direct monthly sailing from New York
for the car trade. In November 6 German steamers called. Imports consist
mainly of machinery and heavy goods, tinplates, pipes and hardware ; exports
are gum, barley, wool and seeds. Latterly German steamers have called
frequently at Lingah, loading pearl shells.
Japanese interests. —During 1937 sixteen Japanese steamers operated in
the port and discharged 56,485 packages, an important part of the whole ;
exports to Japan were negligible. This shipping activity was greatest in the
early part of the year, and it is significant that over the final 6 months only
five Japanese steamers called, discharging a mere 800 packages.
Russian interests,- —Union of Soviet Socialist Republics trade through
Bushire in 1937 consisted solely of imports of sugar and exports of cotton
under barter agreement; [indeed this appears to be the only remaining
Russian commercial activity in the Gulf. Four ships under charter landed
some 91,000 bags of sugar from Odessa, and took 12,000 bales of cotton for
that port.
Four American, 2 Dutch (carrying tea) and 1 Italian steamer called during
the year.
Opium. —The following table shows exports through Bushire of opium
for legitimate consumption during 1937 :—
January .
February .
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October .
November
December.
300 cases—Germany.
50 ,, Hamburg.
200 „ Bangkok.
200 „ Macao.
20 „ Hamburg.
260 cases—Hamburg.
250 „ Hamburg.
200 „ London.
200 „ Macao.
200 cases—Far East.
100 Macao.
Total
1,980
The cases are of standard weight, 160 lbs.
The average value per case was £120.
No export duty is levied.
Of the above total 900 cases, or 45 per cent, were shipped to the Far East
compared with 75 per cent, in 1936. The total export for legitimate con
sumption of 1,980 cases compares with 1,350 in 1936 and 2,658 in 1935. Two
further shipments made by Japanese steamer, one in March of 800, the other
in December of 1,500 cases, were suspected to be for illicit use. On neither
occasion did the cases bear a port mark, but both consignments were reported
to be for the Far East.
4. Communication.—Sea. —Bushire is served regularly by three lines, the
British India Steam Navigation Company to and from India, Hansa and
S trick Lines to and from Europe. As from May 1937 the British India fast
. J