Coll 30/210(2) 'Bahrein Oil: Employment of U.S.Provost Personnel for Control of American labour.' [‎8v] (18/1013)

stripes. It was said that this would give him equivalent authority to a
Sergeant Major in the local force. Therefore, I must point out, in the
strongest possible terms, that my men are Police Officers and not soldiers
and must not be confused as such. I informed the Sergeant of the suggestion.
WELFARE
The British Advisor, who is also Commandant of Police, on no occasion after
our arrival, made any visit to our quarters to ascertain our conditions and after
nine days, he left for England, some of the men never having seen him. Prom
this direction, it appeared that the corrmon courtesy of . English etiquette was
completely absent. A Mr. Smith, I understand is Acting British Advisor during
the absence of Mr. Belgrave. No attempt was made to provide a meeting oetween
myself and Mr. Smith and I was, in fact, informed by Mr. Belgrave, that the
Acting British Advisor had no knowledge of Police Administration and that during
the absence of Mr. Belgrave, the supervision of the British Detachment would be
under the Superintendent Sheik Khalifa. This is in direct controversy of the
terms of our agreement which state in Home Office Circular 35/4-5 dated 22nd
February, 194-5* para. 2, Duties:- •'British Police personnel are particularly
required for use in cases in which Europeans or Americans are involved, as the
officers, N. C. 0. s and men of the State Police are Arabs, it is difficult for
them to deal with Europeans and Americans. Additional duties of the British
Police will include the supervision of the State Police, who are responsible
for traffic control, which includes registration of cars. Police who are able
to drive may be required to undertake the testing of applicants for driving
licences. Police would also be called upon to assist in Passport Control and
to give instructions in Police Duties and methods to the N.C. O.s and men of the
State Police."
Under Para. 15 of the Conditions of Service it states, ''British Police
Personnel will be under the control of the British Advisor to the Bahrain Govern
ment who will be the disciplinary authority. They will have no right of appeal
against his decisions unless the disciplinary action taken affects the terms of
the contract, when Clause 14-will apply."
Clause 14- states: "If any question arises under the contract as regards
the meaning, or in any other respect, the question will be referred for decision
to H.B.M's 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. , Bahrain, and his decision will be final."
IMPROVEMENTS
Such improvements as have been achieved have only been the result of persistent
complaints by myself, which is not the atmosphere of amenable working conditions.
It is my considered opinion that it is necessary for some authority, properly
qualified, and other than an authority directly interested, to enquire into the
conditions that exist and have existed and therefrom draw conclusions sufficient to
give direction to improve the conditions and place the detachment on a par with
their conditions as Police Officers in their home country where they are held in
the highest esteem. As things are at present, their whole position and prestige
is in danger of collapsing beyond recovery.
It has been said in form of excuse that our arrival at the time that we did
was unexpected. I would point out that the arrival of this detachment was expected
since February, hence, to those directly concerned, its appears inexplicable that
they should be received and treated in the manner they have been and that they
should be expected to serve under such conditions. If they continue as they are
at present there could not be any possible guarantee of the success of their mission.
For myself personally, if the matter does not receive immediate attention, I
will have no alternative but to ask to be returned to the United Kingdom forthwith.
As regards the other members of the detachment, such a decision, for them, must of
necessity remain for each individual to decide.
Signed;- C.H. Crowe.
Inspector, Bahrain State Police.
10.9.45.