'File 19/243 IV Zubarah' [‎133r] (265/322)

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Paragraph 2» It cannot possibly be said that the 1944
Agreement admitted the A1 Khalifats rights and predominance In
the Zubarah 18th-century town located 105 km from Doha. area. It does, however, recognise that the A1
Khallfah have some interest in Zubarah 18th-century town located 105 km from Doha. itself•
ESJJtelMXh-S* This paragraph contains a threat to Impose
sanctions against Qatar* It is doubtful If anythlnr Is intended
beyond the kind of blockade that existed until the end of 1944.
If stronger action were taken, it would be n-cesaury for His
Majesty^ Government to Interfere.
Paragraph 6 . It is tru^ that the administration of
Qatar is very backward, but this point is irrelevant.
Paragraph 7 . No reforms have been introduced in Bahrain
for the last 20 years and any suggestions for the improvement of
the administration are met with the reply that nothing can be done
^ until the Zubarah 18th-century town located 105 km from Doha. case is settled. It Is true that the Shaikh
has given reasonable assistance to Messrs. Petroleum Concessions
Limited. Bahrain subjects are at liberty to visit Qatar whenever
they wish, provided they comply with the local laws. The Shaikh
of ^atar has also stated that he is willing to welcome any of the
A1 Khalifah at Zubarah 18th-century town located 105 km from Doha. , but as his quests «nd not as landlords.
There Is no doubt that interested persons for their own ends have
taunted the Shaikh with his Inability to obtain a favourable
decision from His Majesty^ Government retrardini^ Zubarah 18th-century town located 105 km from Doha. .
Paragraph 9. (c) There is no question of the Shaikh of
Bahrain surrendering oil rights in the Zubarah 18th-century town located 105 km from Doha. area, as he has
never been recognised as having s>ny, and, as he points nut, has
never claimed any.
(d) The Shaikh of Bahrain Is not a party to the oil
concession agreement between the Shaikh of Qatar and w essrs.
Petroleum Concessions Limited and is not concerned with Its
provi slons.
(e) So far as I am aware, the Bahrain Petroleum Company
have never made any claim to Zubarah 18th-century town located 105 km from Doha. and such a claim could only
arise if the sovereignty of th^ Shaikh of Bahrain over Zubarah 18th-century town located 105 km from Doha.
were recognised.
(f) This contains both a threat and a bribe. If the
Shaikh of Bahrain were seriously to interfere with the operations
of Messrs. Petroleum Concessions Limited we should have,to inter
vene drastically. It is desirable, however, thet the Company
should reduce their dependence on Bahrain to a minimum.
N Paragraph 10 . The question of the sea boundaries is
Irrelevant. The language used by the Shaikh is discourteous and
his "firm refusal" to accept a formal decision made by His Majesty 1
Government does not accord with his past behaviour and th!?t of his
predecessors.
10. With regard to the reply to be sent to the representation,
I have attempted a draft. My general idea Is thst It should be
as sympathetic as possible, that It should avoid discussion of
details ? and that it should leave the situation much as it stands
now. I cannot pretend that the reply will satisfy the Shaikh and
consider It likely that he will return to the charge.
I have the honour to be
Sir
With great truth and respect.
Your most obedient, humble Servant,
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