"ملف 28/64 إعفاءات من الرسوم الجمركية المستحقة على مخزون شركات النفط" [و‎‎٢‎١] (٧٤/٤١)

3
Q/CH. 1/3207 (contd.)
Bahrain rates. Curiously enough when transit dues come
under consideration, the principle that duplication is in
equitable, seems to have been abandoned, and the reason
is not clear. In para 3, in dealing with category (e),
the Adviser makes the point that comparison between the
transit rates in Iraq etc. and Bahrain is beside the
point in that the Iraq Petroleum Company hold Concessions
in these countries (but not in Bahrain) and their
Concessions exempt them from Customs. It is difficult to
follow this argument. We are comparing the Iraq transit
rate of i per mille to all and sundry with the Bahrain
rate to us and others of 2%.
5. We gather from the latter half of the abovementioned
paragraph dealing with category (e) that it is the Bahrain
Government’s contention that the Company is being afforded
favourable treatment in that the transit rate from Bahrain
to Saudi Arabia is being made applicable to Company’s re
exports from Qatar to Iraq which are transhipped at Bahrain
anchorages, i.e., the inequitable procedure of which we
complain, namely, duplication of transit dues totalling 4%,
is to be regarded as favourable treatment. Is it to be
assumed that other exporters using Bahrain anchorages for
transhipments will be charged an even higher rate ?
6. A new category has arisen consisting of batches of
oil equipment to be removed under the orders of the British
Forces either to locations suitable for immediate destruc
tion as necessary or to other oil fields where it can be
taken into use in pursuance of the Government’s plans to
keep up the flow of oil supplies. It seems obvious that
the Company should not be involved in Customs dues as a
result of such movements, and it could be made clear with
advantage that, as far as this Company is concerned,
Bahrain transit dues are not payable. The simplest way
would appear to be for military consignors and consignees
to be nominated.
7. Reference the Adviser’s para 4, it is noted that the
Adviser is prepared to accept the Company’s valuations for
Customs purposes. This will facilitate our transactions
considerably, and the assistance is very much appreciated.