'File 19/165 I (C 18) Bahrain Reforms' [‎56r] (124/528)

and the regultlnc; injustice to the divers who are
at the mercy of the Nakhudas especially in the
matter of their accounts. The observance of the
rules, proper maintenance of accounts, and their
production before some impartial tribunnal, ioust
bo enforced*
4. The creation of machinery suitable for the purpose
of carrying out such reforms would be a comparatively
simple matter. But before entering upon details, it
appears to me advisable to examine the consequences
which their introduction is likely to involve in the
conditions at present ruling in Bahrain, which make the
problem more difficult ^of solution than when Government
last considered the question.
5. The difference lies in the increased obstinacy and
obstructiveness of Sheikh Isa himself. When I delivered
the Government of India warning to him in March 1^22,
he was thoroughly alarmed by the demonstrations of the
Bahrain!s, and by the fear that drastic action was going
to be taken. His fears speedily wore off when he found
that nothing happened, and the question of reforms was
not pressed. Since thon his character seems to be
steadily deteriorating, owing no doubt to increasing age*
Though physically he appears to be in sound health, mental
ly he is in his dotage. Completely dominated by an
ignorant and despotic wife, he is utterly opposed to
change of any sort excopt such as will directly increase
his income without adding to his .responsibilities. As
M 4L
an example of the old man , s intransigence Major Daly
reports that the Municipality of Manameh have been
trying in vain for the last two years to secure his
consent to a scheme for the supply of water and electric
power to the town. The whole 'Tunicipal Council sunported
by nearly all the notables and both his sons approached hiir