Coll 30/5(3) 'Bahrein [sic] Residency Monthly Letter - Summary of Events' [‎33r] (65/253)

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appointment of a British Political officer to Qatar. Subse
quently he^sent urgent messages to Jakins, the Political
asking him to visit him. Jakins went to Doha on the
16th August and Shaikh Abdulla, who claims to be 84 but is
k e a hout 74, said he wished to abdicate in favour
of his eldest son Shaikh Ali. He agreed to the immediate
appointment of a British Political Officer. Under instruc
tions from the Foreign Office Jakins went to Doha again on
the 20th August and after obtaining from Shaikh Abdulla an
agreement to the bringing into force of the articles of the
1916 Treaty relating to the appointment of a British Political
Officer and other^matters, and from Shaikh Ali an undertaking
to observe all existing treaties and engagements and a written
request for the services of a British adviser, held a public
ceremony in which the abdication of Shaikh Abdulla and the
accession of Shaikh Ali were announced. The Senior Naval
Officer, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ^had previously sent H.M.S. "Flamingo"
to Doha and her Captain, officers and ship T s company rendered
every possible assistance throughout the crisis. The Captain,
Lt. Commander Godden attended the accession ceremony and pro
vided a guard of honour and the ship fired a salute for the
new Ruler. A landing party was sent ashore from the ship on
the 20th August to act as a guard for the British Political
Officer and^also^as a deterrent to any kind of demonstration.
Gethin remained in Doha until the 24th August to keep an eye
on the situation and Wilton arrived from Kuwait on the 23rd
to take over charge as Political Officer. As there was no
sign of any disturbance the Naval landing party was withdrawn
on the 29th August. The new Ruler is between 55 and 60 years
of age and possesses a fine presence. He has always been
kept in the background by his father who favoured the second
son, Hamad. The latter, who was very able and an arch intri
guer , died last year and subsequent events have shown that
his father has found himself unable to carry on without his
support. It is hoped that if we can give Ali the material
and moral assistance which he requires in sufficient time,
he will be able to consolidate his position and introduce a
reasonably efficient administration.
Trucial Coast A name used by Britain from the nineteenth century to 1971 to refer to the present-day United Arab Emirates. .
In the absence of any responsible officer on the spot
little news has been received from the Trucial Coast A name used by Britain from the nineteenth century to 1971 to refer to the present-day United Arab Emirates. . One
case of the abduction of a woman into slavery has been repor
ted in which the son of the acting Ruler of Sharjah is believed
to have been concerned. The matter is being taken up with the
Ruler but there is no hope of recovering the woman. Shaikh
Sultan bin Saqr of Sharjah is still in Bombay, and his health
is reported to have much improved. It is not yet known when
he intends to return.
Muscat .
The Sultan proposes to leave for Bombay about the middle of
October on a six weeks visit to India, largely to consult his
doctors in Bombay. He intends, however, to visit Delhi and
it is possible that he may discuss with the authorities there
his future relations with India. During August he received
a visit from Mr. Wendell Phillips, the American who wishes
to bring a large party for archaeological exploration in
Southern Arabia. He is reported to have treated Mr. Phillips
with great cordiality and has already given him permission
to visit Dhofar with an indication that he may allow him to
explore additional areas subsequently.
/ ECONOMIC SUPPLEMENT.