مجموعة ٣٢/٧ "الخليج الفارسي: توريد أسلحة وذخيرة إلى شيخ قطر" [و‎‎٢‎٧] (١٦٧/٥٣)

Minute Paper.
P. S. 1168/37
Department.
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Please see the notes at P.Z. 4371/36 regarding
the Sheikh of Qatar’s application for permission to
obtain 500 rifles. The position then was that, while
the Air Force (who are, of course, primarily responsible
for carrying out H.M. Gr. ’s commitments in respect of the
defence of Qatar) were very anxious that the Sheikh
should buy rifles which would take British *303
ammunition, since such ammunition could be readily
provided from British stocks in case of emergency, the
Sheikh was showing a strong inclination to buy German
Mauser rifles. The Resident wanted to order tne Sheikh
to buy the British rifles but the Secretary of State
decided that an attempt should be made to persuade him.
It was, however, agreed with the Government of India
(P.S.5573/36) that if the Sheikh could not be persuaded,
further steps should be taken and a definite
prohibition should be imposed. Such a prohibition can
effectively be issued since under his treaty with
H.M.G. the Sheikh of Qatar can only buy rifles from a
source v/hich is approved by H.M.G.
From the Resident’s letter of the 5th February
now submitted, it is clear that the Sheikh is still
recalcitrant. Colonel Fowle’s letter is a very clear
and lucid summary of the situation, and his proposals
in paragraph 7 seem to be obviously right. A draft
telegram of concurrence is submitted/ subject to the
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concurrence of the Foreign Office;, It is unnecessary to
consult the Air Ministry since they have already agreed
to similar proposals (P.Z. 5281/36).
W A.