مجموعة ٦ / ٦٧ (٥) "حدود جنوب شرق الجزيرة العربية وقطر (خور العُديد)" [و‎‎١‎٠‎٣] (٧٩٧/٢١٠)

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GoyemLnr^n'dThatv^f^ a # reement a ? d understanding with the British
L m T, ’ a i taat ^ ls ^ rien( is among the Arab rulers on the Persian Pnir
AlU^cLsedhir^ftert th ° U§h should ] , inTOl ^ himself in LteriaUoss
imnini ^ K w ’ after ^ r0n ^ msist ence, to limit his claims to the minimum
hopin^ (thereby) to put a decisive end to the difficulties. It never entered into
and disnute' Vhe 1 ^^ tha l ^. 1v T i ilat mentioned would be a subject of argument
} h i ne t0 wh , lch m y Government holds represents the minimum of
thnt tWnn na i te r nd reasonable cia ims; consequently, your Excellency’s statement
tnat the conciliation and concession have come from the British Government, while
the position of my Government has not changed, indicates disdain for the Govern-
ment ot His Majesty and forgetfulness of the great sacrifices which they have
made m renouncing in favour of the rulers of those neighbouring Arab territories
wide areas whose ownership by His Majesty can be proved by every historical
and actual right.
It never entered into the thoughts of my Government to bargain about the
frontier which they put forward, for it was drawn after deep reflection and
careful consideration; and it was on account of the insistence of the British
Government that it was drawn so as to cover the very minimum of the just claims.
Had my Government thought that it would be the subject of discussion and
bargaining, they would have taken up a different position, whereas they limited
their claims to the minimum, hoping that the British Government would not argue
about it, but would accept it as a just and practical frontier in the interests of
both parties. I do not conceal from your Excellency that my Government attaches
the greatest importance to this frontier and regards it is a very vital matter.
Nay, more : I can say that this question is a question of life and death in con
nexion with that part of His Majesty’s dominions. They, therefore, regret
exceedingly that the British Government do not appreciate their position at its
true value; at the same time, however, they express their readiness to discuss any
practical proposal which will secure the interests of both parties and obviate
harm.
As to the abstention by employees of the companies on both sides from
encroaching on the disputed areas, the Deputy Foreign Minister in his personal
letter of 3/12/1356 (the 3rd February, 1938) explained the essence of the position
to your Excellency as mv Government understand it, and in it he explained exactly
how the matter stood. "l hope that there may be sufficient explanation therein to
help to clear up the present misunderstanding and to bring about a fundamental
solution of the difficulties. . .
As to the question of the appointment of a topographical commission, His
Majesty’s Government, before giving a definite reply to the request, would like
to enquire from your Government as to the areas required to be surveyed in older
that the matter may be sufficiently clear to both sides, and that the confusion whic
might result if the agreement were general and not precise may be avoided.
I await, therefore, the opinion of your Government on the three points set
forth above. FEYSAL.