‘File 7/9 Unauthorised flights by RAF’

Content

The file’s correspondence, papers and other items relate to unauthorised flights and emergency landings in Saudi territory by British aircraft. The principal correspondents in the file are the 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. in Bahrain, the 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. in Kuwait (these two posts being held by a number of incumbents during the period covered), and representatives of the Californian Arabian Standard Oil Company [CASOC].

Most of the file’s correspondence relates to two specific incidents. The first, taking place in January 1942, involved the forced landing of an Royal Air Force (RAF) Blenheim aircraft at El Khabur or Al Khobar [Al Khubar] in Saudi Arabia, and the subsequent presentation by British officials to the Shaikh of Al Khubar of a silver tray, in recognition of the assistance given by him and his people. Photographs of the tray and its inscription are found on folios 10A-10C. A second incident, involving the emergency landing of three RAF Hurricanes in salt marshes at Ras es Safaniyah [Safaniyah] in April 1942, led to negotiations with Ibn Saud, and subsequent efforts by the 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. in Kuwait and CASOC representatives to first retrieve the pilots and then salvage the planes.

Extent and format

1 file (58 folios)

Arrangement

The file is arranged in approximate chronological order, from the earliest items at the front of the file to the latest at the end. The office notes at the end of the file (folios 50-54) mirror the chronological arrangement.

Some items in the file are annotated in pencil with page numbers which refer to other items in the file, as marked with the file’s original pagination/foliation system using red and blue pencil numbers, also referred to in the office notes.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: The main foliation sequence starts on the front cover and finishes on the inside back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio (except for ff. 10A-10C, which are on the verso The back of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'v'. side). The following foliation anomalies occur: 1 and 1A; 10, 10A, 10B, 10C.

Written in

English and Arabic in Latin and Arabic script

Type

Archival file

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

IOR/R/15/2/274

Former external reference(s)

Confidential Office: File 7/9

History of this record

Date(s)

18 Jan 1936-17 May 1942 (CE, Gregorian)

Context of creation

During the period covered by the file, and at the request of the ruler of Saudi Arabia, Ibn Saud, flights by foreign aircraft over Saudi Arabia were not permitted, unless prior permission had been granted.

Subjects

Air accidents

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Cite this record in your research

‘File 7/9 Unauthorised flights by RAF’, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/R/15/2/274, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100000000241.0x000091> [accessed 23 April 2024]

Link to this record

https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100000000241.0x000091

IIIF details

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