"ملف 82/27 (VI (F 87 نفط قطر" [و‎‎٣‎١] (٤٥٤/٧٤)

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extract Iroma note fiom Kr 0 C.C. Mvllea. gated 19 a 2.35 ?
In the course of our conversation re: correspondence
the Shaikh of Qatar said that Holmes had written suggesting
he should come to «%atar secretly anc" make him an offer.
The Shaikh said that he had not replied as he liked to do
things openly.
later I was informed that a letter had been written to
Holmes (by Nasir al Mana) reporting that he had delivered
Holmes 1 letter to the Shaikh, who refused to write a reply but
told Nasir to tell Holmes.
(a) He dia not agree to his coming to Qatar in disguise
to make an offer for the Concession
(b) He did not agree if he came to terms with us to with
hold his signature for two months to enable Holmes to make
an offer
(c) He did agree to Holmep coming here immediately our
option expired if he had not already come to terms with us,
and that he would give Holmes preference over us in subse
quent negotiations e
^Jas ir al Mana asked Holmes to send his proposals
in writing at once, as he ana his cousin Saleh could
guarantee to get the Shaikh to consider them and oelay coming
to terms v/ith us until the opticn expires*
I knew that Saleh al ISana was playing a double game
and working for Holmes, but I thought Haj i Maharrmed and his
son Nasir were well disposed people.
If, however, Holmes is prevented from coming to
Bahrain and Qatar then we shall be in a reasonable position,,
If he does come, as he will agree to anything the Sahikh
asks for these negotiations will cost us a very large sum.*