'File 6/7 I Kuwait landing ground' [‎81r] (166/524)

IM
P. Z. 248V^4o
AIR MINISTRY,
RET,
ADASTRAL HOUSE,
34“
KINGSWAY, Yf.C. 2.
12th April 1924*
J
0
My dear Laithwaite,
lo With reference to your letter P.Z,2408/34> of the
10th April 1924> we are no less anxious than yourselves
that future contingencies should be provided for as far
as possible, but the insurance we are asked to pay in the
case of site (a) is much too high for us, and we do not
feel that any useful purpose would b e served by bargaining
with the Sheikh regarding that site* Even if the rent
were only half what the Sheikh now asks, we would, I
think, still consider it to be too high in view of the
uncertainty whether the site will, in fact, ever be
required as an airbase*
the acquisition of that site, we had in mind that, if an
air base should eventually be required in Koweit, one
could perhaps be found on the coast some distance south of
Koweit Town, or even north of Koweit Bay, While an
inland site need not be ruled out altogether, it is
obviously desirable for communication, supply and defence
purposes that any air base should be on or near the sea
co ast*
Sheikh and the company deal with the acquisition of land
in connection with oilcfevelopraent works and give the
company discretion to purchase or lease whatever land they
may consider necessary, subject to consultation with the
2* In coming to our decision not to proceed with
Articles 5 an & 9 °f agreement between the
^ithwaite Esq»,
Office*.
Sheikh./