'File 0436/2 Sharjah Air Agreement' [‎34r] (67/116)

Confidential
Ho.C/B-409.
Political Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. >
Bahrain,
2nd August, 1950♦
Oacr Plithay i
With reference to Pally*a latter Ho.460/10/60
of goth July, I am ancloslni; herewith a copy of a latter
I have received from shaikh Muhammad which shows that
the attitude ha has adopted towards the extension of
the air-field is satisfactory.
2. In view of the speed with which we rushed
this through, I feel that there is even more justifi
cation than usual In his complaint about our beleted-
ness in concluding the new Air Agreement. I presume
we caimot use General Department*s letter Ho.QA 96/3
of 23rd Bay, forwarded to me under your complimentary
slip Ro.308/13/50 of 6th June, as an authority for
payment of the guards in anticipation of the signature
of the new Agreement, particularly in view of the fact
that no date is mentioned from which the Increased pay
would be effective. Presumably in accordance with
Article 13 (i) of the new Agreement, the increased
rates in pay will only be in force from the date of the
signature and not from the date of expiry of the old
Agreement in July 1948. If this Is so * I feel that
our delay Is depriving Shaikh Muhas^ed of sums which
are really his due. If the matter is going to drag
on such longer, I would be grateful if you would con
sider raising the question with the Foreign Office of
the payment of guards prior to the signature of the
Agreement.
3. I enclose a copy also of a letter 1 have addressed
in reply to that of Shaikh Muhammad, in which 1 have
given him certain assurances and at the same time asked
for his approval for the suggested Increase in rent to
cover the extension. My fear is that if this incraase
is going to Involve any modification to the Air Agree
ment, it merely amounts to further delays. Perhaps
the matter could be dealt with by a supplementary ex
change of letters?
L.A*0« Flnhey, Esq., 0.B.E.,
the Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. ,
Jufair.