(2182/15/52)
Despatch No. 33
British Residency,
Bahrain.
17th April, 1952.
Restricted
Sir,
With reference to your Despatch No. 149 (EA.2181/3)
of the 28th September, 1951, I have the honour to forward
herewith a despatch received from Mr. Weir enclosing a trans lation of a proclamation issued by the Ruler of Qatar
abolishing slavery in his territory. It has since been
reported that the amount of compensation to be paid to the
owners has been provisionally fixed at Rs. 1,500/- a head
and not Rs. 3,000/- as indicated in paragraph 3 of Mr. Weir's
despatch.
2.
I am doubtful if the proclamation will be complied.
some
ase
with in full for some time to come but it is in any case
satisfactory that it has been issued. The Ruler left his
State shortly after its issue and did not return until after
the 10th April and it seems likely therefore that the period
within which compensation is payable will have to be extended.
3. I much regret that I have not yet been able to let
you have the suggestions asked for in the last paragraph of
your despatch under reference. I have been examining the
position in the various Shaikhdoms and hope to let you have a
report shortly.
I have the honour to be,
with the highest respect,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(W. R. Hay). Z
The Right Honourable Anthony Eden, Esq., M.C.,M.P.,
Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Office,
London, s.w.l
