مجموعة ١٧٠/٣٠ "مسألة ملكية جزيرتي البيّنة." [و‎‎١‎١‎٢] (٢٥٩/٢٢٦)

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5<c 4k*
-"i)
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omitted and the regular feminine plural ’at* used instead of the
dual plural w ain tt *
4 # It would appear therefore from the Jedda telegram that
the Saudi (xovernment lay claim to both islands, though from
Weightman’s Express letter it would seem that the objection
of the Saudi local officials has been directed only against
the erection of a mark on one of the islands*
*
5 # The two islands in question are shown in Lorimer as
belonging to Bahrain - vide page 214, Volume II* As I under
stand it, a claim to doubtful territory can be set up by a
State by
(a) the erection of a flag supported if possible by
(b) proof of some form of H administration 11 , or connection
with it by usage i.e. calling there of ships.
It is obvious that no question of administration arises with
regard to the two islands referred to, as they are mere sand
banks. Therefore the one proof of possession would appear to
be the erection of a flag, or a cairn or other mark. In the
present instance it is the Bahrain State which has erected a
mark on the islands in question. Further, of these islands,
Bain-al-Kebir is only some 6 miles from Bahrain mainland -
Manamah Island and some 9 miles from the Saudi mainland (i.e.
the Hasa coast), and 3ain-as-3aghir some 9 miles from Bahrain
and 6 miles from Hasa. Finally Bain-aa-Saghir is within 3 miles
of Umm Na*san island i.e. within the territorial waters of that
island which undoubtedly belongs to Bahrain*
6. In all the circumstances my own opinion is that these
two islands definitely belong to Bahrain. This being so I do
not /