Concessions in Bahrein [Bahrain], Kuwait, &c: correspondence, 1932-Jul 1933 (Colonial Office Secret Print, Middle East No.49) [‎42r] (85/284)

57
When approved the draft letter would be sent to the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. for the concurrence
of the local British authorities and the Shaikh of Bahrein. The amount of the loan
would not be specified in the letter, but would be left for subsequent negotiations
with the Company.
B. Drillers.
28. Mr. Parkinson said that, in the first place, he proposed to take up this
question orally with Mr. Ballantyne and Mr. Lombardi, who had just asked for an
interview.
18135/33 [No. 99].
No. 76.
ME. J. G. LAITHWAITE ( 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. )
to
MR. F. C. STABLING (Petroleum Department).
(Copy received in Colonial Office 6th May, 1933.)
Dear Starling , 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. , Whitehall, S .W.I, 3rd May, 1933.
I have been looking into the question of the area covered by the Shaikh of
Bahrein's dominions, consequent on discussion with Giffard, with the following result.
2. The Shaikh maintains a rather nebulous claim to certain areas on the Arab
coast, with whiclj it is unnecessary to deal here. His dominions may be regarded as
consisting iof the Bahrein archipelago. The Bahrein archipelago consists of the
Island of Bahrein, and of the adjoining islands of Muharraq, Umm Na'assan, Sitrah,
and Nabi Salih. The area of the Bahrein Island is 208 square miles, its maximum
length being 30 miles and its maximum breadth 10 miles. The area of Muharraq is
5J square miles. This island is separated from Bahrein by a strait 1-| miles broad;
and its superficies is stated to be almost trebled at low tide by broad flat reefs of
coral, while the rocky spit of Ras al Khasaifah runs out nearly 4 miles to seaward
from the north-west corner.
3. Umm Na'assan is about 2 miles off the west coast of Bahrein Island, and
measures less than 4 miles in length from north to south by about 2-| miles in breadth,
while Sitrah which is separated from the east coast of Bahrein Island by a narrow and
shallow channel, measures 4^ miles from north to south and tapers from the north,
where it is IJ miles broad, to its southern extremity. Nahi Salih is situated in the
large inlet of Kabb on the eastern side of Bahrein Island, off the north-west corner of
Sitrah Island. It measures about -J mile in each direction.
4. The existing Bahrein Petroleum Concession is, I understand, in respect of
areas in Bahrein Island only.
5. The information above, which is I fear [rather scrappy, is taken from
Lorimer's Gazetteer. The Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Pilot suggests that the archipelago is sur
rounded by reefs running out to a considerable distance and banks to which the
Shaikh would no doubt lay claim if any question arose; and in considering any grant
of a concession in respect of his " dominions " or " Bahrein " it would seem neces
sary to have a clear understanding as to precisely what is covered, and in addition to
the special safeguards we are anxious to secure on strategic grounds, to ensure that
no rights are conceded either in respect of, or of such a character as prejudicially
to affect, pearling banks in the Bahrein area or elsewhere in which the Shaikh may
have an interest either in his own right or in common with the other Arab rulers
of the Gulf.
6. I am sending copies of this letter to Parkinson, Rendel, and Moore. I am
also suggesting to Moore that the Admiralty representatives might bring a chart of
Bahrein, which would give a clearer idea of the position than the rather scattered
information above, to this afternoon's meeting.
Yours, &c.,
J. G. LAITHWAITE.