Concessions in Bahrein [Bahrain], Kuwait, &c: correspondence, 1932-Jul 1933 (Colonial Office Secret Print, Middle East No.49) [‎68v] (138/284)

110
C. 98019/32 [No. 7].
No. 134.
FOREIGN OFFICE to COLONIAL OFFICE.
T ^ e ; Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs presents his compliments to
the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies and, by direction of the Secretary of
State, transmits herewith a copy of a letter which has been addressed to the Anglo-
Persian Oil Company, Limited, on the subject of Kuwait oil.
Foreign Office, 25th February, 1932.
Reference to previous correspond^nce : Foreign Office letter of 18th February, 1932.*
Similar letter sent to 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. and Petroleum Department.
Enclosure in No. 134.
Sir , Foreign Office, S.W .i, 24th February, 1932.
With reference to Foreign Office letter of the 10th instant, I am directed by
Secretary Sir John Simon to inform you that His Majesty's Charge d'Affaires at Jedda
has now reported that he has received a reply from the Hejaz-Nejd Government to his
request for the necessary permission and facilities for your Company's proposed
geological reconnaissance of certain areas in the Hasa territory south of Kuwait.
2. This reply is to the effect that King Ibn Saud is not prepared to authorize a
reconnaissance in the neutral zone between Kuwait and Nejd without previous agree
ment on the subject between himself and the Shaikh of Kuwait, or in the Hasa without
the previous establishment of conditions between himself or his representative and a
representative of your Company.
3. I am to suggest that if the projected reconnaissance would cover any part of
the i^eutral zone between Kuwait and Nejd, your Company should apply to the Shaikh
of Kuwait through 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. at Kuwait, in order that the Shajkh m^y, if he
is willing, approach King Ibn Saud in the matter.
4. Mr. Hope Gill reports that he was unable to obtain from the Under-Secretary
for Foreign Affairs of the Hejaz-Nejd Government any indication as to when or where
a representative of your Company might meet King Ibn Saud or his representative for
the purpose of secpring permission for a reconnaissance in the Hasa; but states that
were he to be informed of the approximate date ori which your representative could
reach Bahrein, he would endeavour to make arrangements with the Hejaz-Nejd
Government regarding a meeting. The Secretary of State will be happy to communicate
to him by telegram any information which you are in a position to furnish on this point.
5. From his conversation with the Hejazi Under-Secretary, Mr. Hope Gill derived
the impression that King Ibn Saud might perhaps also be prepared to discuss with your
representative the terms on which His Majesty would grant oil concessions in the Hasa.
I am, &c.,
0. W. Baxter
The Secretary,
Anglo-Persian Oil Company.
Britannic House,
Finsbury Circus, E.C.2.
* No. 133.