'File 19/176 II (C 40) Bahrain Finances' [‎61r] (134/528)

The Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. , Bahrain,
latpH the 10th May 1932
The Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. ,
r
BAHRAIN.
To
The Secretary to the Hon'ble the Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency.
in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire.
Sir
I have the honour to refer to your letter No:270-3 dated
the 28th April 1932 and to say that a copy of the (jovemment of
India telegram mentioned in your second paragraph contained the
typist 1 s error suggested "by you,thereby rendering the meaning
obscure. The Bahrain G-overnment have been informed that the
tariff on luxury articles may be increased to and this increase
was effected by them on the 1st Muharrem 1351 equivalent to the
6th May 1932. The list of articles affected was forwarded to you
with the enclosures to my letter No :G /62 dated the 2nd May 1932.
It will be seen that certain articles are classed as luxuries
which do not usually fall within that category,but the argument
presumably is that if the Ruler does not wear socks,hosiery may
be considered a luxury.
2. It will be noticed in the letter from the Adviser enclosed
with my letter No:G/62 that the State desires to institute a 15%
tax on tobacco,a 15/o tax on liquor and a duty on luxury
articles mentioned in the list. I trust it has been found possible
to forward their request to the Government of India. I would
suggest,however,that since the State may desire to make further
alterations at short notice,the Government of India should be
asked to take steps to cancel the tariff clause in the treaty
which renders the concurrence of His Majesty's Government
necessary and accept instead an undertaking from the Bahrain
Governmait not to alter their tariffs without the concurrence of
the Government of India. i t appears that a formal alteration of
the treaty is a very formidable matter and also a very lengthy