File 1283/1913 Pt 5 'MESOPOTAMIA TRADE Issue of new Trade Report' [‎109v] (214/270)

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firms, etc- But the rapidity of German developm3nt in this instance was
particularly disconcerting in view of the solidity of British commercial
interests and of the fact that the Sheikh of Mohammerah was under special
obligations to the British Government. The Sheikh was, however, to some
extent powerless in the matter in consequence of the constitutional limitations
on his freedom of action as a ruler. If political conditions in Arabistan develope
favourably, there should be a very promising future for British trade on the
Karun.
Notes have been prepared on the subject of trade* with the Bakhtiari
* vide Appendix No. vi. tribes and in regard to special openings for
t vide Appendix No. vn. British enterprise f in the Gulf generally.
Currency and 85. The Imperial Bank of Persia, which is the only British banking
banking. concern in Persia, has in the past rendered valuable service both politically
and commercially. The British mercantile community in South Persia seem
on the whole fairly satisfied with the treatment which they have received from
the Bank, though complaints are made at Bushire of the Bank’s refusal to
accept damaged coins.
The intimate and growing connection between the Persian ports and India
might be benefited by the establishment of branches of one of the great banks
of India at trade centres in southern Persia. In 1911, however, when the
matter was under consideration, the representatives of the principal British
banks at Bombay and Karachi were of opinion that there was no room for
an Indian bank at the Gulf ports. Conditions have altered a good deal during
the last six years and the Eastern bank in particular might now be willing to
open branches at the Persian ports, in view of the fact that they have several
agencies in Mesopotamia and have already contemplated opening at Bahrain.
POETS ON THE AEABIAN COAST.
86. Separate notesj have been prepared in regard to the prospects of
+ Tr ., . ,. „ T7TTr British trade at the ports of Kuwait,
t Fi* Appendix No. VIII. ^ ^ ^ ^
much of a general nature to be said. The Commissioners would lay stress on
the importance of a proper examination of the pearl beds within territorial
waters on the Arab Coast by an expert as proposed in 1910. It is also very
desirable that the measures suggested in the note on Bahrain should be taken
in order to preserve the mother-of-pearl and shell trade in British hands.
Bahrain is by far the most important of the Arab Coast ports and having
regard to the extent of our influence with the Sheikh, it should be possible to
ensure most favourable opportunities for British trade. When feasible,
opportunity should be taken to investigate the potentialities of trade with the
interior of Arabia.
Summary.
Mesopotamia.
paragraphs i-4. 87. Just before the war the total sea-borne trade of the Gulf, excluding
S S tke a Guir petltl ° n coasting and local trade, was valued at above 12\ millions sterling of which
the British share was 76 per cent. The pecuniary value of the trade was no
great matter and its loss would not have seriously affected British commerce.
Commercial success in the Gulf has, however, involved the assumption of
political responsibilities and these cannot be lightly surrendered. The Germans
realising that British political predominance achieved through commerce was
vulnerable through commerce set themselves to win as large a share of the trade
as possible. Their commercial competition was the cutting edge of a vast
political intrigue which was organised with the object of obtaining control over
the railway route to the East and by this means exerting pressure upon the
British Empire at a sensitive point.