File 2902/1916 ‘Treaties and Engagements between the British Government and the Chiefs of the Arabian Coast of the Persian Gulf’ [‎167r] (344/448)

to R60,000, which I, Major S. G. Knox, 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. of the precious Im
perial English Government in Kuwait, on behalf of the precious Imperial
English Government, promise shall be paid yearly in advance to Shaikh
Mubarak-us-Subah, ruler of Kuwait, and to his heirs after him, as long as the
precious Imperial Government desires the aforesaid lands. But it is clearly
understood and agreed upon between me, Major S. G. Knox, 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. of
the precious Imperial English Government in Kuwait, on behalf of the precious
Imperial English Government and Shaikh Mubarak-us-Subah, ruler of Kuwait,
on behalf of himself and on behalf of his heirs after him, that should the pre
cious Imperial English Government no longer desire to lease the lands afore
said, they have the right to inform Shaikh Mubarak-us-Subah, or his heirs after
him, of their decision at any time they wish and that, after such intimation,
the rent ceases and land will return to Shaikh Mubarak-us-Subah, ruler of
Kuwait, or to his heirs after him, but if the precious Imperial English Govern
ment should have any desire for land other than these lands of Shwaikh, such
as the lands enumerated in the sixth paragraph below, it will be by way of
rent by consent with Shaikh Mubarak-us-Subah, ruler of Kuwait, or his heirs
after him.
Fourthly .—There is included in the aforesaid rent, without other rent or
demand of any kind, the right to all land, above ground or under sea, between
the two sides, the east and the west, produced in the north-west direction to
three fathoms of sea-water at the time of the lowest tide opposite to the north
west boundary and it is lawful for the precious Imperial English Government
to build and construct between the aforesaid limits any building of any kind,
coal-sheds, harbour works, etc.
And, also, it is lawful for the aforesaid English Government to put down
buoys and do all works needful for the ease of the ships from the open sea to the
Bander Shwaikh such as, inter alia, the construction of lighthouses and beacon
in Kuwait territory, as may at any time be found to be necessary.
And, also, it is lawful for the aforesaid English Government that they
should lease the lands in part or in whole for a fixed term of years or in perpe
tuity to English subjects or to the subjects of British India—I mean the people
of India or to the subjects of Shaikh Mubarak-us-Subah, ruler of Kuwait—I
mean the people of Kuwait, at their perfect will and desire.
FifthlyAnd, further, in consideration of the rent detailed, Shaikh
Mubarak-us-Subah, ruler of Kuwait, on behalf of himself and on behalf of his
heirs after him confirms his former promise that, neither he nor his heirs after
him, will grant, sell, or lease to a Foreign Government, and in this is included
the Ottoman Government, or to the subjects of any Foreign Government, any of
his or their land within Kuwait boundaries or around it without the permission
of the precious Imperial English Government.
SixthlyAudi, also, Shaikh Mubarak-us-Subah, ruler of Kuwait, on behalf
of himself and on behalf of his heirs after him, is bound in this paper that he
and they will give to the precious Imperial English Government the right of
pre-emption in sale or lease of the lands detailed below :—
Firstly .—The lands which lie adjacent to the lands leased at a distance of
2,000 cubits in any direction from the nearest boundary of the
leased lands, but to the subjects of Shaikh Mubarak—I mean
the people of Kuwait—to them shall be a right of pre-emption,
stronger and prior to that of the English Government in this
land only.
Secondly .—The entire island of Shwaikh and its surrounding foreshore:
only the fishing nets are to Shaikh Mubarak-us-Subah.
Thirdly .entire island of Warba, situated near the Khor Abdulla,
and its surrounding foreshore.
Fourthly .—All the lands, and the foreshore in the direction of Ras
Kathama to a distance of two sea-miles, I mean 8,000 cubits,
in any direction of Ras Kathama: if the precious Imperial
English Government should have any desire in that place, then
it will be on lease, separate from the lands of Shwaikh, at a