'File 4/13 II Kuwait Education' [‎229r] (457/844)

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Politicetj.
Kuwait,
12th December 1942.
From
Major T. Hickinbotham, O.B.E.,
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. , Kuwait.
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. , Bahrain
EDUCATION OF KUWAIT SCHOOL-BOYS IN CaIRO.
Sir,
I have the honour to refer to para 8 pf Mr
V.'akelin's report on the Educational Department in Kuwait
and to enclowe a copy of a letter which I have received
from his Highness the Ruler.
2. Mr. -Yakelin has referred in his report to the
visit to Egypt oaid by Abdul Latif Shamlan in search of
new teachers and I have commented on the part played by
the Kuwait Government in this affair in para 2 of my letter
No.C/1038 dated November 18th.
It seems that Shamlan made the arrangements
referred to in His Highness* letter under reference while
in Egypt in connection with the recruitment of the new
teachers and that the arrangements were made withput the #
authority or even the knowledge of the Ruler. It is possible
that this is correct as far as His Highness is concerned
but I have no doubt that the Educational authorities here
were fully aware of Shamlan*s activities and it would not
surprise me to learn that His Highness was also cognisant
of what was going on and saw no harm in dealing direct with
the Egyptian Educational Department.,and in fact probably
enjoyeathe pleasant feeling of independance it gave him ,
for ne is childish in many ways, until my direct and
forciful talks with his Secretary brought him back to a more
proper understanding of his own position and round to the
Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. to make a personal verbal explanation of the situa
tion and some-what belatedly ask for advice.
3. Although ,as I have already indicated, I dis
approve of the method adopted by the staler and the Kuwait
Educational authorities in their dealings with the
Egyptian Educational Department I do not see any political
objection to the boys receiving a secondary education in
Egypt provided some arrangements can be maae for the super
vision of the boys when they are not in school and provided
you see no oblection I suggest that Mr.Wake1in be asked to
enquire from the British Council in Cairo if they would be
prepared to undertake the general supervision of the ooys.
If you agree I will inform His Highness that air
mail enquiries are being made through the Educational
Adviser and that it is suggested that the boys remain here,
for the time being.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
i
Major,
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. ,Kuwait,