"ملف 82/27 VII F. 88 نفط قطر" [و‎‎٥] (٤٦٨/١٨)

(S
P.Z. 2722/35.
BRITANNIC HOUSE,
PINSBISY GIHGUSs
LONDON, E.G. 2.
15tti April 1935.
J.G. Laithwaite, E sq ., C 4 I,S.,
India Office,
S»W. 1•
Dear Laitlawaite,
Mylles telegraphs from qatr that, as a result of an
informal meeting, the shaikh is still insisting upon a
specific provision for payment for arms, and if the
provision for jurisdiction of the shara Courts,over
foreigners is removed from the concession he will refuse
to sign until Government ogree to his demands. Mylles
states that the shaikh regards these two points as vital
to his independence as a ruler.
We understand from My lies that the political HesMoctt
is due to-morrow at Dohah, ana that Mylles has also
informed the political Agent at Bahrein that the time
appears ripe for a declaration hy H.M.G.of their policy
to the Shaikh.
If in that declaration H.M.G. could definitely
inform the shaikh that they would not approve of a
concession to any party proviaing specifically for the
purchase of arms for the shaikh, and for the jurisdiction
of the shara courts over foreigners, we feel that the
position should tie materially assisted.
In that event we would tell Wylles to go ahead and
endeavour to clear up tne financial position, since in
the absence of any reference to this it would look as if
Iviylles had not yet got to a aiscussion of casn. He is
however to have a fornal meeting with tne shaikh to-day
if the Shaikh's health permits, and it is likely that the
first question discussed was "Have you brought hack an
acceptance of all my requirements?".
Yours sincerely,
(Sd.) L. LEPHOY.
P.3. Following my conversation with you this afternoon
we nave instructed Riylles to represent to the political
Resident on arrival our objections to specific provisions
for the purchase of arms, ana to obtain the Resident's
support on this point. Mylles has further been reminded
that he can count on the Resident's support on the
jurisdiction question.
L.P.